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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its diverse immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.