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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the affordable apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for the majority of New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice was based on keeping my family safe and the need to directing my full attention on enacting the platform on affordability the city's residents supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving there, it will continue to reside inside me and the work I do," he affirmed.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for occupying the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his own townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for civic gatherings, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will find himself in a setting far removed from his humble Astoria home.

Featuring cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished in the spirit of the home's historical period.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what anyone says," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

New Yorkers view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the housing expenses outpaces the average income.

Data indicated Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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