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New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

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

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, a community famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his modest Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Inside, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

His former home is rent stabilised, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.