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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision was based on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community famous for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the best of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will always live a part of me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has several bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections 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 wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

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

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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