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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key platform, was not quick to announce this decision promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my complete efforts on enacting the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

During his campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on the Upper East Side throughout his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

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