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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing all of my focus on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

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

But his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.