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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core issue, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the importance of focusing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

In his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

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

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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