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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

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

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

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

In his view, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a space for public city functions, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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