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The city's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to take up residence in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that sparked debate in his run for office.

An Iconic Home

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

But, Mamdani, for whom rent control is a core issue, did not confirm his residency plans right away after his victory in November.

"This decision came down to keeping my family safe and the imperative to focusing my complete efforts on implementing the platform on affordability the city's residents elected me on," stated Mamdani in his announcement.

Thanking a Neighborhood

Mamdani lived in the Astoria neighbourhood, a district famous for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To my neighbors in Astoria: many thanks for exemplifying what is great about New York City," he expressed.

"Even though I'm moving there, the community will forever remain within me and my efforts as mayor," he added.

Campaign Controversy

Throughout his campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his personal living arrangements.

However his critics, including one-time governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for remaining in the affordable housing although he came from a famous family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the business magnate, chose to live in his private home on the Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg felt it could serve as a space for public city functions, and advocated for significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion near his inauguration on 1 January, he will experience a setting very different than his humble Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, green shutters, and bright white balustrades, Gracie Mansion is an ornate structure situated by the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

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

Supernatural Speculation

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

Chirlane McCray, the wife of ex-mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards creaked eerily.

Former Mayor Eric Adams was adamant. "No matter the skeptics say," he declared in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent stabilised, meaning the city sets limits on how much building managers can raise the rent each year.

Tenants view rent-stabilized housing as valuable lifelines as the price of rent rises faster than the means of many residents.

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

According to the property website Zillow, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.