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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain within me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his modest Astoria home.

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

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

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

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

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