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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

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

However his critics, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.