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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

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

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the need to directing all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

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

A Contentious Issue

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

Yet his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

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

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

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

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.