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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm this decision promptly after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to directing all of my focus on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside inside me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.