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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, did not confirm his residency plans immediately following his triumph in November.

"My choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of directing my full attention on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will always live inside me and the work I do," he added.

A Contentious Issue

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

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

Inside, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "I don't care the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city regulates on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the price of rent exceeds what many can afford.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.