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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce he would live there immediately following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for civic gatherings, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than 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.