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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the historic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that became a focal point in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Constructed in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the primary dwelling for most New York City mayors since the World War II era.

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a core policy, hesitated to declare his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"The choice came down to our family's safety and the need to dedicating all of my focus on implementing the agenda for affordability voters supported," Mamdani said in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, an area renowned for its diverse immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To the people of Astoria: thank you for demonstrating the true spirit of New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, Astoria will always live a part of me and the work I do," he said.

Political Debate

In his race for mayor, Mamdani linked his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

However his opponents, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing despite the fact that he is from a well-known family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, chose to live in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side for his three terms, which ended in 2012.

In his view, Bloomberg felt it should be a venue for public city functions, and championed an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion near his first day on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his previous Astoria apartment.

With its cream-colored walls, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure with views of the East River.

Internally, the lower floor of the Federal-style mansion is furnished consistent with the home's original era.

The estate, which allegedly has five bedrooms, also has fortified protections to secure the mayor and his family.

Haunted History

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, informed the press that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floors emitted odd sounds.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, meaning the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses exceeds what many can afford.

Records showed Mamdani paid about $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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