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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, did not confirm he would live there right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.