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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, it will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for official events, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.