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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

An Iconic Home

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the World War II era.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, did not confirm this decision right away after his electoral win in November.

"My choice was based on the security of my family and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

His home was in Astoria, Queens, a district renowned for its vibrant cultural enclaves and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live there, it will always live within me and the work I do," he said.

A Contentious Issue

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his personal living arrangements.

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the apartment despite the fact that he is from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a space for official events, and advocated for significant upgrades of the aging mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion sometime around his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by a setting far removed from his previous Astoria apartment.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

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

The property, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

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

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, meaning the city imposes caps on how much property owners can increase rent each year.

New Yorkers consider these apartments essential protections as the cost of housing outpaces the means of many residents.

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

Per figures from the property website Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.