In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a construction project that has been marred by permit violations and financial mismanagement. The contractor, Felipe Cortez, revealed that work on the project was completed without a valid permit, which expired in April 2023. The permit had initially been issued but lapsed after six months due to a lack of renewal, raising concerns about compliance with local regulations.

Cortez explained that he was hired to manage the construction for a client named Fishman, who had appointed a contract manager, Elliot. However, payments for the project ceased unexpectedly, leading to a halt in work. It was later discovered that funds intended for the construction were misappropriated by Elliot for personal renovations on his own property. This financial mismanagement has resulted in ongoing legal disputes, with Fishman reportedly involved in court proceedings related to the matter.

The meeting took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Seth Fishman, the client, is currently incarcerated, complicating the situation further. The committee members expressed concern over the expired permit and the implications of the ongoing issues, emphasizing the need to determine who was responsible for the permit renewal.

As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the situation is not only a matter of regulatory compliance but also involves potential civil litigation stemming from the financial discrepancies. The committee is focused on ensuring that the permit violations are addressed, while also keeping an eye on the broader implications of the case, including the potential for liens on the property involved. The meeting concluded with a consensus that the permit violation is a significant concern that requires immediate attention.