The Mount Vernon Zoning Board meeting on September 16, 2025, raised significant concerns regarding the legality of a business operating without the necessary certificates. A speaker questioned why the business was allowed to continue operating despite lacking a temporary certificate of tenancy or occupancy, which had expired. The speaker emphasized that the ongoing extensions of these certificates over nearly two years were unprecedented and raised doubts about the legitimacy of the application being considered by the board.

The speaker further highlighted the absence of a crucial application for license renewal from the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, stating that without this application, the business's operations might be premature or illegal. They pointed out that state law required the renewal application to be filed by September 5, which necessitated local approvals that the business had not yet secured.

Additionally, the speaker expressed frustration over the undated application submitted by Mr. Badawi, noting several factual errors and omissions. The lack of a date on the application raised concerns about its validity and the thoroughness of the submission process.

The meeting underscored the importance of compliance with local regulations and the need for transparency in the application process, particularly for businesses operating in regulated industries. The board's next steps will likely involve addressing these concerns and ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided before any decisions are made.