Neighbors in the immediate vicinity of a cell phone tower being proposed for the Greater Pinellas Point neighborhood turned out for an emotional meeting Thursday with the company that hopes to build it.

The majority opposed the 150-foot tower being planned by Ridan Industries in the back of the Skyway Plaza Shopping Center, 901 62nd Ave. S.

Kevin Barile, president of Ridan, said the meeting was calmer than similar ones he has attended.

"It got a bit disorderly," he said. But, he added, "I got some good feedback about what their concerns were."

Residents whose homes border Lake Coronado said they are worried about health hazards to themselves and wildlife. They also are concerned about their property values and the potential for increased flooding caused by construction.

The director of the preschool at Lakewood United Methodist Church, where the meeting was held, said she was concerned about parents' reaction to the planned tower.

Barile dismissed health concerns, telling residents that their cell phones and microwave ovens are more dangerous than cell towers. He offered to build a nesting platform on the tower for ospreys or to camouflage it as a flagpole. He also said the tower is necessary to improve cell phone service in the area.

In telephone interviews, council member Jamie Bennett, who represents the community, and John Bagg, president of the Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association, also spoke about the inadequacy of cell phone service in the neighborhood.

"I believe that my cell phone is not reliable if I had an emergency," Bagg said. "My approach is there really is a problem down here. There is a large hunk of this neighborhood that has very poor cell reception, no matter who is the provider."

Bennett agreed. "You have to go in your driveway to get calls," he said. But he said he hopes a compromise can be reached.

"I think we just need to work together and find a place for this tower," he said. "I don't mind investigating one of those nice flagpoles in front of the shopping center."

Bagg said he hopes the city will grant a variance that would allow the tower to displace some parking spaces at the front of the shopping center.

Jim Daniels, whose front yard is directly across from the proposed tower, said he might be willing to accept such a compromise.

Barile said that his company tried to put the tower in front of the center but that city officials would not allow it. He will try again, he said.

"I will definitely circle back and talk with the city and see if this is a possibility," he said.

Bagg has invited Barile to speak at the civic association's monthly meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Bay Vista Center, 7000 Fourth St. S.

"I want to see a rational discussion that ends up satisfying everybody," Bagg said.