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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, did not confirm this decision immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

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

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

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