NORWICH -- It's back.

That's what Norwichtown area residents are fearing, anyway -- the return of the controversial commercial overlay zone.

But this time, the request is for an actual zone change in their area.

Alderman Mark Bettencourt Monday said developer Carpionato-LaBossiere Properties LLC has sought support from individual aldermen to submit a proposal to rezone a portion of Washington Street into a neighborhood commercial zone. The firm recently withdrew its application for the overlay zone text amendment after fierce disapproval from neighbors, especially those on Washington Street, Julien Terrace and Harland Road.

Rob LaBossiere said the group does have interests in the area since it already optioned properties, but has no pending applications with the city.

"If someone wants to propose a zone change, they are entitled, but they need a council sponsor," President Pro Tem John Newson said, although he has not heard of the proposal yet.

Neighbors say they fear big box development could negatively affect the neighborhood's character.

Marterese Ferrari, a resident and staunch opponent of the overlay zone, said she wanted neighbors to stay alert.

"Let no one forget this developer and his representative repeatedly and emphatically said they had no projects planned," she said, "which we now know was deceptive."

Richard Erickson said the neighborhood would fight the idea.

"This latest proposal is neighborhood-busting at its worst," he said.