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The city's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, did not confirm he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision came down to our family's safety and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as essential protections as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

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

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