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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, was not quick to announce this decision promptly following his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

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

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

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

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.