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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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