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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the imperative to directing my complete efforts on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.