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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm he would live there right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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