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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the need to directing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in Astoria, Queens, an area known for its diverse immigrant communities and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change in Astoria, the community will forever remain a part of me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the older mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his previous Astoria home.

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

Inside, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much building managers can increase rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.