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

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his victory in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the imperative to directing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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