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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point during his run for office.

A Historic Residence

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

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, hesitated to declare this decision right away following his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to focusing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its diverse cultural enclaves and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the best of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he affirmed.

A Contentious Issue

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into 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, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed to reflect the home's original era.

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

Ghostly Tales

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the price of rent rises faster than the average income.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.