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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately following his victory in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda voters voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district famous for its vibrant cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will continue to reside a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

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

Yet his opponents, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a place for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting very different than his previous Astoria apartment.

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

Internally, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the housing expenses rises faster than the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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