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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that was a central issue during his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors since the World War II era.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, hesitated to declare this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change there, the community will always live inside me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

In his campaign, Mamdani connected his key pledge – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his opponents, most notably one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his tenure, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria digs.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Within, the lower floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated in the spirit of the home's original era.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he insisted in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

Mamdani's current apartment is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.