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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to take up residence in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate throughout his run for office.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors after the mid-20th century.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central policy, did not confirm he would live there promptly following his victory in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to focusing all of my focus on carrying out the agenda for affordability the city's residents voted for," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

He resided in Astoria, Queens, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant populations and culinary diversity.

"To Astoria: my gratitude for demonstrating what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Although my address will change there, the community will always live inside me and my work," he said.

A Contentious Issue

During his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

But his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for living in the apartment even though he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, kept his residence in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a venue for official events, and pushed for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his previous Astoria digs.

Adorned in butter yellow paint, green shutters, and white railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Within, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is decorated consistent with the home's original era.

The compound, which is said to has five bedrooms, also boasts fortified protections to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and shutting on their own, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

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

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

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