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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to make his home in the historic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that sparked debate during his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the official residence for most New York City mayors from the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central issue, hesitated to declare his residency plans immediately after his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on the security of my family and the imperative to dedicating all of my focus on enacting the agenda for affordability the city's residents elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

His home was in Astoria, Queens, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"Although my address will change in the neighborhood, the community will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

Campaign Controversy

In his race for mayor, Mamdani tied his key pledge – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

Yet his opponents, mainly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the apartment although he hails from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg argued it ought to be a place for official events, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will experience an environment very different than his modest Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Inside, the first floor of the classically designed mansion is furnished to reflect the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter what people claim," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds the means of many residents.

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

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