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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 became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change there, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.