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NYC's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that was a central issue in his run for office.

A Traditional Abode

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

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a key issue, hesitated to declare he would live there immediately after his electoral win in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to directing my full attention on enacting the agenda for affordability New Yorkers voted for," stated Mamdani in a statement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, a district known for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

During his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his central policy – halting rent increases – to his circumstances as a tenant.

However his critics, mainly one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit although he came from a prominent family.

A House Not Always Used

Not all mayors have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side for his tenure, which ended in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a venue for official events, and pushed for significant upgrades of the historic mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings very different than his modest Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, emerald shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a wedding cake of a house overlooking the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's original era.

The estate, which is said to has five bedrooms, also has enhanced security to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

A number of people have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the spouse of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that they experienced doors opening and closed by themselves, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what anyone says," he declared in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

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

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as crucial resources as the cost of housing exceeds the average income.

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

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the average rent for a single-bedroom unit in New York City is $3,500 a month.