A proposed cellphone tower is raising concern among residents near the site in the Rabbittown neighbourhood of St. John's.

"I am concerned about our property values," said homeowner Dana Warren, whose backyard adjoins the site behind Howley Avenue Extension. "I'm concerned about vandalism. I'm concerned about potential harm and safety for us as neighbours."

At first glance, it looks just as Bell Mobility's proposal describes it — a rural setting. But on the other side of the lot lays a densely populated neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

Bell Aliant has been meeting with the city to discuss its proposed tower. (CBC)

Bell Mobility says the proposed tower meets all government requirements and has given residents until Sept. 28 to make their views known.

This doesn't satisfy Warren, who wants the city to keep companies from putting cell towers into densely populated areas.

"I don't want to have a tower in my backyard," said Warren. "And I don't anybody else to have a tower in their backyard. Let's have a policy around it."

Communications companies across the country, on the other hand, are pushing to build more towers in residential and urban settings.

Coun. Tom Hann said the city is trying to formulate a policy.

"We have met with representatives of Bell Alliant on at least three occasions to discuss their challenges in this market and the placement of communications towers in the area," said Hann in a written statement.