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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

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

Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

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

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

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported 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 one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.