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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has confirmed to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, departing from the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue in his election bid.

An Iconic Home

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has functioned as the official residence for nearly all New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a central policy, did not confirm this decision immediately following his electoral win in November.

"The choice rested on our family's safety and the need to dedicating my complete efforts on enacting the agenda for affordability voters elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district renowned for its vibrant immigrant communities and global cuisine.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," he noted.

"While I may no longer live in Astoria, the community will continue to reside within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

A Contentious Issue

In his race for mayor, Mamdani connected his key pledge – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

But his rivals, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, challenged Mamdani for remaining in the rent-stabilized unit despite the fact that he is from a famous family.

A House Not Always Used

Some mayors have chosen to live at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire entrepreneur, preferred to remain in his private home on the Upper East Side during his three terms, which ended in 2012.

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

A Grand New Home

As he settles into Gracie Mansion for his inauguration on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings a stark contrast to his modest Astoria home.

With its cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

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

The compound, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Some residents have suggested that Gracie Mansion also has supernatural lodgers.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closed by themselves, and the floorboards made strange noises.

The departing mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "No matter what people claim," he stated in 2022. "The place is haunted in there, man."

The Value of Rent Stabilization

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, which means the city regulates on how much landlords can raise the rent each year.

City residents consider these apartments crucial resources as the price of rent outpaces the means of many residents.

Data indicated Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

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