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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect 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, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.