The helicopter hovered at 100 feet Sunday in the crisp autumn air over a disputed strip of land along the Ohio River in Sayler Park. It stayed there for an hour, doing nothing except being seen. Exactly the point.

        A group of Sayler Park residents opposed to a planned concrete plant hired the helicopter pilot to hover at the height of two silos Lone Star Industries wants to erect there. And they urged residents to take photos of it from their homes.

        Indianapolis-based Lone Star envisions the industrial-zoned land in the 6300 block of River Road as a distribution terminal, served by barges on the Ohio. It is awaiting Ohio Environmental Protection Agency approval but has requested no land variances from the city.

        “First of all, it's the property values; we don't need this

        crap,” Phillip Cipriani said from his Revere Avenue back yard, a camera around his neck. Looking over his mother's adjoining back yard on Gracely Drive, the helicopter was clearly visible.

        Like many residents who oppose the silos, Mr. Cipriani understands commercial development provides a tax base, but said it needn't be placed so close to residents nor block their view of the Ohio River. His home is 130 years old.

        Sixty-nine percent of Sayler Park residents are homeowners, city records show, nearly double the citywide rate. Residents here say this plan will prompt an exodus.

        “It's all about money,” said Mr. Cipriani, who grew up with 12 siblings here and is now raising his four kids here. “So once they get in, they'll say, "Well, what's one more silo?' And some pencil pusher with the city will say, "That's a good point.'”

        Mike Fletcher, 18, of Delhi, who recently moved from Sayler Park after seven years, was surprised to see a helicopter hovering as he pumped gas. “Everybody's got nice homes, it's a quiet neighborhood, but I think it could open up some jobs.”

        Helping lead the protest are Ernie Macke, president of the city neighborhood's community council, and past president Mary Newman. They say the tax-base increase will be offset by lowered property values. She clutched an American flag as they stood near the 23-acre site.

        “It will change the community forever,” Ms. Newman said of the silos.

        The $250 charges from both helicopter operator North Star Navigators of Blue Ash and a photographer were paid from the $3,500 the community council raised at an August auction of items donated by residents.

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