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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

Data indicated 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.