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NYC'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 run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district famous for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known 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 three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.