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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, did not confirm he would live there immediately after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

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

But his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

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

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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