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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for nearly all New York City mayors after the post-war period.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare this decision promptly following his triumph in November.

"The choice was based on our family's safety and the importance of focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability voters elected me on," Mamdani said on Monday.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its vibrant immigrant populations and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, it will forever remain inside me and my work," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the affordable housing although he hails from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

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

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

With its pale yellow exterior, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed to reflect the home's historical period.

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

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

His former home is rent stabilised, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

City residents view rent-stabilized housing as essential protections as the cost of housing rises faster than what many can afford.

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

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