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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, did not confirm his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community known for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will always live inside me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani linked his core platform – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience an environment a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

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

The estate, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

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

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