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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, was not quick to announce he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, the community will forever remain inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.