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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the traditional Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a key policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice rested on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on implementing the affordability agenda New Yorkers supported," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, a community renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"While I may no longer live there, Astoria will continue to reside inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

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

Yet his opponents, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he came from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a space for public city functions, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the first floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's historical period.

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

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

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the property website Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.