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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings very different than his humble Astoria digs.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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