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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.