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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on implementing the agenda for affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

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

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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