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

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the need to focusing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.