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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors from the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, was not quick to announce he would live there right away following his triumph in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to directing all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

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

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for public city functions, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment very different than his previous Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is furnished to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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