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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue during his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for the majority of New York City mayors after the post-war period.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central policy, did not confirm this decision promptly after his triumph in November.

"The choice came down to keeping my family safe and the need to dedicating all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: many thanks for demonstrating the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Although my address will change there, it will forever remain inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he hails from a famous family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side during his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will find himself in an environment far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Adorned in pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closed by themselves, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

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

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much property owners can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

It was reported Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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