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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

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

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment far removed from his modest Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds what many can afford.

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

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