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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

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

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has 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 former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "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, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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