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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for most New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, did not confirm he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"My choice came down to our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

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

"To Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will continue to reside a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

But his rivals, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring cream-colored walls, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city sets limits on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments crucial resources as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Based on data from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.