New York City's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.
Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the World War II era.
But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central issue, hesitated to declare he would live there promptly after his electoral win in November.
"The choice was based on our family's safety and the need to directing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.
Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.
"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he noted.
"Although my address will change there, Astoria will always live inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.
Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.
However his rivals, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.
Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which concluded in 2012.
Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.
Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.
Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.
Inside, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.
The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.
Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.
Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."
Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.
New Yorkers see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.
It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.
Based on data from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.
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