Home Depot, residents state their cases

While the meeting Friday hinged on permit technicalities and on whether Home Depot's plans warranted stricter environmental and planning reviews, opponents to the project made it clear that it was largely a referendum on the company's move into their neighborhood.

There are six hardware and home-improvement stores on Foothill Boulevard in the Sunland-Tujunga-La Crescenta area, including Orchard Supply Hardware and True Value Hardware.

Opponents also took issue with the building's seismic stability, environmental impacts on the Haines Canyon Flood Control Channel and the store's proximity to Apperson Elementary School, which is less than 400 feet away.

The building was constructed in 1977.

The economic impact to local hardware stores was also a major issue for La Crescenta resident Matt Oliphant.

"There will be far less people with jobs in Sunland," he said.

Others said a store like a Target or Kohl's would better serve the community.

"The site was intended for stores that fill shopping carts, not forklifts," said Victor Castro, a Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council member.

Sunland resident Tess DePaoli agreed.

"We don't really want another Home Depot," she said.

But Home Depot officials say their consumer records tell a different story.

"Our existing stores in the area indicate a large amount of sales coming from customers from Sunland-Tujunga," said Kathryn Gallagher, spokeswoman for Home Depot, in a statement.

"If this demand is not met, the existing one serving the area will exceed its capacity to serve the market."

Additionally, Gallagher said home-ownership rates in the foothill area are strong, as is their growth potential.