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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away following his triumph in November.

"This decision was based on the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area known for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for showing us the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side for his time in office, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting very different than his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city regulates on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments valuable lifelines 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 the property website Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.