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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will continue to reside within me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

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

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his modest Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home overlooking the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.