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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its diverse cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he is from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The compound, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.