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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Historic Residence

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

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the agenda for affordability voters supported," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

He resided in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district known for its abundance of immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, it will forever remain within me and my work," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his rivals, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing exceeds the means of many residents.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $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.