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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to live in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind his rent-controlled apartment that sparked debate in his campaign.

A Historic Residence

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

But, Mamdani, for whom affordable housing is a central platform, was not quick to announce his residency plans promptly after his triumph in November.

"This decision rested on keeping my family safe and the importance of directing my complete efforts on implementing the affordability agenda voters voted for," Mamdani said on Monday.

Leaving Astoria

Mamdani lived in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

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

"Even though I'm moving in the neighborhood, it will always live within me and my work," he said.

Campaign Controversy

During his campaign, Mamdani connected his core platform – a rent freeze – to his own housing situation.

Yet his critics, mainly ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised Mamdani for remaining in the apartment even though he came from a prominent family.

Not All Mayors Stayed

Not all mayors have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

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

In his view, Bloomberg argued it should be a place for official events, and championed significant upgrades of the older mansion.

A Stately Residence

As he settles into Gracie Mansion sometime around his first day on 1 January, he will experience a setting a stark contrast to his humble Astoria apartment.

Adorned in cream-colored walls, forest green window covers, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home situated by the East River.

Within, the ground floor of the historically styled mansion is decorated to reflect the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which is said to has several bedrooms, also has fortified protections to safeguard the mayor and his family.

Ghostly Tales

Some residents have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has ghostly inhabitants.

Chirlane McCray, the wife of former mayor Bill De Blasio, once said that doors occasionally opened and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was more certain. "It doesn't matter the skeptics say," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

Affordable Housing Lifeline

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, which means the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as crucial resources as the cost of housing rises faster than the average income.

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

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