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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, did not confirm this decision right away after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

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

Yet his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his modest Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.