The American Dream mall has been issued a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) by New Jersey Department of Community Affairs on the eve of its opening weekend.
The DCA said in a statement, "The TCO ensures that the facility is safe to open and safe for people to occupy. It will last for 90 days and can be renewed. Once all regulations are met under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, the facility will be issued a Certificate of Occupancy."
Earlier, the news website NJ.com reported that the mall didn't have the essential certificate of occupancy needed to open its doors to the public as planned on Friday, Oct. 25 reported this week.
DCA spokeswoman Lisa Ryan told NJ.com on Wednesday, "Inspection teams from DCA's Division of Codes and Standards are at American Dream every day conducting inspections to make sure it is fully complying with all applicable fire, life safety, and building regulations required under the NJ Uniform Construction Code."
The highly anticipated mall that includes a Nickelodeon-themed indoor park is expected to be one of the western hemisphere's largest indoor theme parks. The $5 billion project will include over 35 rides and attractions and is expected to employ an estimated 16,000 people.
The mall's opening has been repeatedly delayed amid financial issues, safety accidents and concerns by the NFL's Giants and Jets about traffic during game days. The project has been in the works since 2003.
The over 3 million-square-foot space will be home to various restaurants and retailers, although various shops will not open until next year. Tickets for Friday through Sunday are already sold out according to the American Dream website.
American Dream has not commented.