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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the need to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

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

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a space for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the means of many residents.

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 single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.