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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away following his victory in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will always live inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.