The new Dollar General in Tryon has drawn plenty of attention, even before its official opening, which was set for today.

The Dollar General was recently constructed in the parking lot of the former Plenty of Fish Restaurant (also known as the old Sunnydale Restaurant) on South Trade St. adjacent to the Tryon ABC store plaza and IGA grocery store.

Residents and elected officials expressed differing opinions about the new store at a Tryon Town Council meeting last week. Some said they didn’t like having the “big box store,” and others said the need must be there or they wouldnt have built it.

Resident Katharine Smith sparked discussion during citizen comments last Tuesday by asking council if something is being done so similar buildings are not allowed in Tryon in the future.

Recent letters to the editor have expressed opposition to the store, especially because of its location adjacent to a historical landmark, the old Sunnydale Restaurant building.

Tryon Mayor Alan Peoples responded to Smith repeating language from his recent letter to the editor, which said if all the people complaining would volunteer for town boards, particularly enough volunteerism to create an architectural review board, things might be different.

But resident Tom Waldenfels said he has the same thought as Smith about the Dollar General, but given what theyve got, theyve done a good job with it. He mentioned that it is a huge building, but it is a legitimate business.

They are a new business in town, said Waldenfels. They will be hiring and will be paying taxes.

Councilman Austin Chapman asked about the towns lighting ordinance and mentioned that the Dollar General lights up the street with its inside and outside lighting at night.

Councilman Roy Miller said some people could see their lights as a good thing, considering that S. Trade is dark at night and people do walk in the area.

The store’s hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.