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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a key policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his victory in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to directing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its abundance of immigrant communities and international dining.

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

"While I may no longer live there, it will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the apartment even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for civic gatherings, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted 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 regulates on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.