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NYC's Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its abundance of immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live within me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

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

But his opponents, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a venue for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.