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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, the community will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

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

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than 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 one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.