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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core platform, hesitated to declare his residency plans promptly following his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on carrying out the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its diverse cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

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

Political Debate

Throughout his election campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a venue for public city functions, and championed a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

With its butter yellow paint, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is decorated consistent with the home's historical period.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, a policy where the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces the means of many residents.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.