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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.