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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the importance of dedicating my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

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

However his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants 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 shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

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

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