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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment although he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.