Norwich ― A proposed Business Master Plan District designed to create a new business park in Occum appeared in jeopardy Tuesday night, but the City Council acting as the city zoning board delayed action until Feb. 21 to further review the proposal before voting.

The Norwich Community Development Corp. purchased the 17 properties, located on Canterbury Turnpike, Scotland Road, Lawler Lane and Route 97 in late December for $3.55 million with a plan to create Business Park North.

Dozens of Occum area residents strongly opposed the project, saying it would disrupt the quiet, residential neighborhoods with commercial and industrial development.

Democratic Council President Pro Tempore Joseph DeLucia agreed, saying the business park should be revised to better protect neighbors. Democratic Alderman Swaranjit Singh Khalsa said he could not support the master plan as presented and would not support the version before the council Tuesday.

Mayor Peter Nystrom strongly disagreed and urged fellow council members to reconsider. He said the city greatly needed commercial development to grow the city’s tax base, and the proposed master plan contained more protections for neighboring properties than the general commercial zone already in place for much of the land.

Republican Alderman Grant Neuendorf proposed postponing the vote to the Feb. 21 meeting, and aldermen voted 6-0 to approve the postponement.

c.bessette@theday.com