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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly 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 supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

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

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

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