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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm he would live there immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.