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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly following his victory in November.

"My choice was based on keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

With its pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.