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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

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

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its abundance of immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

However his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a space for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.