The property is at Highway 85 and El Camino Real where the Emporium shopping center used to be. It is now known as the Americana Center. The two mailers asked residents to become involved in encouraging Home Depot's presence in Mountain View, requesting that they send postcards of support as well as attend public hearings on the matter. A Home Depot spokeswoman said last week that the retailer had not meant to mislead residents, merely to show that the property had previously been used for commercial purposes.

Home Depot says its Mountain View location would reflect its surrounding community. In the two mailers, it promised a well landscaped, thoughtfully designed store that would mirror the town's persona. Home Depot might still receive a special home-improvement center designation if it takes action to be a good neighbor, which would include addressing design and traffic around the store, Percy says.