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First look at Home Depot plans
Monta Loma residents fear impact on San Antonio, Central

by Daniel DeBolt

The public got its first peek at Home Depot's plans for the old Sears site in the San Antonio Center during a Monta Loma Neighborhood Association meeting last week.

At the meeting, it was explained that the proposed 127,000-square-foot store, the same size as the current Sears, will be unlike any other Home Depot ever built.

"We are exploring the idea of a store concept that focuses more on design and decor than a typical Home Depot," company spokesperson Kathy Gallagher wrote in an e-mail. "Sort of a hybrid between a Home Depot and Expo." Expo is Home Depot's chain of stores focused on interior design.

After 11 years of trying to bring its business to Mountain View, Home Depot still arouses skepticism in some residents, who say they doubt it will be a trustworthy and decent neighbor.

"It's too early to tell," said Elna Tymes, president of the Monte Loma group.

At the meeting concerns were raised about the store's impact on traffic, small businesses and noise. Residents say any excess noise would be within earshot of the Crossings, a large development nearby on San Antonio Road and Central Expressway. Gallagher said the company will abide by city requirements to restrict delivery times, which must be approved in detail by the city council.

Small businesses have yet to voice an opinion about the Home Depot. Residents at the meeting raised concerns about Bauer's Lumber Supply and Barron Park Plumbing Supply being able to compete with the big-box store.

A call to Barron Park Plumbing Supply found that owner's aren't worried, even though the new store is a short distance away.

"Everything they don't have we have right at their doorstep," said Paul Brunmeier, co-owner. "We're a different market. ... Everyone says, 'It will hurt you guys.' No, you have no idea how many people will come in."

Also nearby is Bauer's Lumber, where manager and owner Daryl Thom also told the Voice earlier this year that he is not concerned about a loss of business.

"A good portion of our client base is looking for something they [Home Depot] have a hard time delivering," Thom said.

Minton's Lumber and Avery Construction were involved in the opposition to Home Depot's proposal in 2002, which would have used the Emporium site at Highway 85 and El Camino Real. Minton's has yet to announce any opposition to the new plan, but Brian Avery, who funded the 2002 opposition to Home Depot, said the current proposal would be a "win-win situation."

An analysis of traffic hasn't started yet, but Tymes said it's obvious that Home Depot, along with 500 more housing units at the old Mayfield Mall, will make traffic on San Antonio Road and Central Expressway even worse.

"Both roads have backups that are legendary," Tymes said. "I don't want to discourage business and housing but the problem is we don't have the infrastructure to support it."

Gallagher said the store would bring $400,000 in annual fees and sales taxes to the city budget. She also said Home Depot spends tens of millions of dollars on charity work, with local stores given a budget to donate as it chooses to local causes.

City planner Al Savay said it may be 12 months before Home Depot's plan can be brought before the city council for a vote and public hearing. Gallagher sounded more optimistic.

"We are very early in the process, but if everything goes according plan we will most likely get approvals in the fall of 2007, and begin construction shortly thereafter," she wrote in an e-mail.

On Dec. 5, residents will have another chance to meet with Home Depot and the city at 6:30 p.m. The location of the meeting has yet to be announced.

E-mail Daniel DeBolt at ddebolt@mv-voice.com