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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, did not confirm his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

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

City residents see such units as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.