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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"This decision came down to the security of my family and the imperative to directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

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

"While I may no longer live there, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

During his election campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he is 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 private home on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.