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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the need to directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his humble Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged 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 floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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