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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the need to directing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability voters voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

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

However his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing although he hails from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.