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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, did not confirm this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a place for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

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.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.