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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, did not confirm he would live there right away after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

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