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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.