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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will always live a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment although he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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