Leslie Woodson Snell, Nantucket's Planning Director, faced a DUI arrest earlier this year, shortly before her lucrative contract with the town was renewed. Snell, 47, whose role influences significant property development on the wealthy island, was arrested on April 20 following a single-vehicle crash. Body camera footage obtained by the Daily Mail depicted Snell struggling with sobriety and speech.
Officers responding to the incident found open cans of White Claw, an open bottle of vodka, and alcohol miniatures in Snell's vehicle. According to an arrest report, Snell told officers she had consumed two drinks but appeared disoriented and struggled to provide consistent answers. She was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and possessing an open container. Snell pleaded not guilty to the charges.
At a subsequent arraignment, Snell accepted a plea agreement that included a one-year continuance without a finding for the DUI charge. This required her to surrender her driver's license for 45 days, complete an alcohol education course, and pay approximately $600 in fees. The charge is expected to be dismissed if all conditions are met.
Despite the legal proceedings, Snell's contract with the town of Nantucket was renewed two months after her arrest. The renewal included a cost-of-living adjustment, pushing her annual pay package to over $200,000. Snell issued a statement expressing regret for the incident, accepting responsibility, and noting the matter had been resolved. The town of Nantucket declined to comment on the specifics of Snell's employment.
Critics, including Nantucket residents who work in real estate and local community members, have voiced concerns about Snell's tenure. They allege favoritism, interference with permitting decisions, and a "toxic" work environment, claiming that personal relationships and loyalty to the town administration often influence development approvals. One former building inspector claimed he was pressured to issue permits for non-compliant businesses and was eventually forced out.
Snell was appointed Planning Director in 2023, succeeding her former boss, Andrew Vorce. Her promotion was criticized at the time for allegedly bypassing a competitive search process. A subsequent investigation by the Massachusetts Attorney General found that the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission had violated the state's Open Meeting Law during the contract negotiations, creating the appearance of a decision made behind closed doors.
Nantucket, an island off Cape Cod, is known for its exclusive real estate market, attracting affluent residents and visitors. The Planning Director holds significant influence over the island's development and the balance between its wealthy seasonal population and year-round residents.