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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, did not confirm this decision right away following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the importance of directing my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability voters supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district known for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, it will continue to reside a part of me and my work," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter 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-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

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

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