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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that was a central issue in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce his residency plans immediately after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to the security of my family and the importance of focusing all of my focus on implementing the affordability agenda the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in a statement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its abundance of cultural enclaves and international dining.

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

"Although my address will change in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and my work," he affirmed.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his circumstances as a tenant.

Yet his opponents, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for living in the apartment despite the fact that he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, kept his residence in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his three terms, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for civic gatherings, and pushed for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria home.

Featuring pale yellow exterior, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The estate, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also has increased security measures to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he insisted in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much property owners can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the average income.

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

Based on data from real estate analysts Zillow, the average rent for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.