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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, it will forever remain within me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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