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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm this decision promptly following his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's original era.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, 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

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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