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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the need to directing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

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

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

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