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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, vacating the affordable apartment that became a focal point in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has served as the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, did not confirm his residency plans right away following his victory in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my full attention on carrying out the platform on affordability New Yorkers supported," the Mayor-Elect declared in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area famous for its vibrant immigrant communities and international dining.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: thank you for exemplifying the best of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving there, Astoria will forever remain within me and my work," he added.

Political Debate

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – halting rent increases – to his personal living arrangements.

Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for living in the affordable housing even though he came from a prominent family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have opted to reside at Gracie Mansion.

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

Rather, Bloomberg argued it could serve as a venue for civic gatherings, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Grand New Home

Upon taking up residence at Gracie Mansion for his swearing-in on 1 January, he will experience surroundings far removed from his humble Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure overlooking the East River.

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

The property, which allegedly has several bedrooms, also includes enhanced security to protect the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

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

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

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "There are ghosts in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is under rent control, which means the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants consider these apartments essential protections as the price of rent exceeds the means of many residents.

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

According to real estate analysts Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.