Tabor Academy continued work on its new athletic field abutting Front Street today in direct contravention of a cease-and-desist order sent to Tabor yesterday by Marion Building Commissioner Scott Shippey.

According to Tabor Academy Headmaster Jay Stroud, the State Building Code Appeals Board has granted a stay of Building Commissioner Scott Shippey’s order to cease and desist work on the athletic fields.

Workers on site said they were laying new bluestone for the field and had been doing so yesterday as well.  A man wearing a hard-hat and a Tabor Academy shirt appeared to be leading the construction and said, “No comment,” repeatedly, before asking Sippican Week staff to leave the premises, which they did.

Shippey issued Tabor Academy a cease-and-desist letter July 11 after construction was restarted on the unfinished athletic field abutting Front Street. Tabor was issued a permit for a nearby ramp and curb but the permit did not include placement of matting and bluestone over the field portion. Shippey’s letter says the work on the field is beyond the scope of the permit and still subject to Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board of Appeals.

“I can write a letter saying work needs to stop if it interferes with building codes or zoning issues,” said Shippey. “They are working even though the project is not compliant with zoning laws.”

“I want to make sure it is emphasized,” Stroud said, “that what we’re doing is legal.” Shippey’s letter stated the school did have appellate rights to the decision.

“We are not ignoring the order sent by the Building Commissioner,” Stroud added.

The stay should allow Tabor to continue work despite the cease-and-desist. Shippey encouraged residents to attend the Board of Selectmen meeting tonight at the Music Hall on 164 Front Street, Marion.