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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, was not quick to announce this decision right away after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to the security of my family and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent outpaces what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $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.