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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.