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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his election bid.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the primary dwelling for nearly all New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central issue, hesitated to declare this decision immediately after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on the security of my family and the importance of dedicating my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

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

"To Astoria: thank you for showing us what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Although my address will change there, Astoria will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

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

Yet his rivals, most notably former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, chose to live in his private home on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it ought to be a space for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the historic mansion.

A Stately Residence

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will find himself in surroundings a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the historically styled mansion is appointed consistent with the home's historical period.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

His former home is rent-stabilized, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing outpaces the average income.

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

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