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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, did not confirm this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the importance of directing all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.