CRANSTON, R.I. -- A big economic development project in Rhode Island was ordered shut down Monday.

The I-Team has learned that the town has ordered construction stopped at the site of FM Global's planned $60 million headquarters in Johnston.

The landlord of the building FM Global currently occupies filed an appeal to the town of Johnston. The appeal raised questions about the expedited permit process that allowed FM Global to break ground.

So far, a part of the foundation has been put in as well as some electrical work.

Because state law mandates that all work on a project needs to be stopped when an appeal is filed, the town issued a cease-and-desist order last week.

The order does allow construction workers to complete back-filling the foundations, and it allows for protection of electrical wires already in place. But permits for further construction will not be issued.

The cease-and-desist order could be a big blow to what the state has touted as an example of the expedited permitting process in Rhode Island.

Edward Pare, a lawyer for FM Global's current landlord, said it is reviewing the cease-and-desist order. Pare said there are concerns about letting even limited work go forward.

Work will be stopped at least until May 14, when the appeals are heard.