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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, did not confirm this decision promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will always live inside me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.