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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the traditional Gracie Mansion, vacating his rent-controlled apartment that became a focal point throughout his campaign.

A Traditional Abode

Dating back to 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors from the mid-20th century.

Yet, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central platform, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his electoral win in November.

"The choice was based on the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability New Yorkers elected me on," the Mayor-Elect declared on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

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

"To the people of Astoria: many thanks for showing us what is great about New York City," he noted.

"Even though I'm moving there, it will always live within me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani linked his central policy – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

However his rivals, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the apartment although he is from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, kept his residence in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which concluded in 2012.

Rather, Bloomberg said he believed it should be a place for official events, and championed an extensive renovation of the aging mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his modest Astoria apartment.

With its 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 appointed consistent with the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also boasts increased security measures to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

A number of people have claimed that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that they experienced doors opening and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "I don't care the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

Mamdani's current apartment is rent-stabilized, which means the city imposes caps on how much landlords can hike the monthly cost each year.

Tenants consider these apartments valuable lifelines as the cost of housing outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani his rent was $2,300 each month for his apartment.

According to the real estate platform Zillow, the typical monthly cost for a studio or one-bedroom in New York City is $3,500 a month.