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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core platform, hesitated to declare he would live there right away after his victory in November.

"This decision was based on keeping my family safe and the importance of dedicating my full attention on implementing the platform on affordability voters elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a community renowned for its abundance of immigrant populations and international dining.

"To Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, it will forever remain within me and the work I do," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his rivals, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a place for public city functions, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his previous Astoria digs.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

Records showed Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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