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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will always live inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking 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 several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

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

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