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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, will opt to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his election bid.

A Historic Residence

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the primary dwelling for the majority of New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

However, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core issue, did not confirm he would live there right away after his triumph in November.

"My choice rested on keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers elected me on," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a community known for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

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

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain a part of me and the work I do," he added.

Political Debate

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

Yet his rivals, most notably ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he hails from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which wrapped up in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it ought to be a space for official events, and advocated for a major refurbishment of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by an environment far removed from his previous Astoria home.

Featuring butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

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

The property, which reportedly has five bedrooms, also has increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the partner of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what anyone says," he insisted in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city imposes caps on how much building managers can hike the monthly cost each year.

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

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

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