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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, hesitated to declare this decision immediately after his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have suggested 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 shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.