Trying to improve the building, the American Legion in Tryon recently painted the building blue, the official American Legion color.

But the color violates the town’s ordinance for that district and the town is now asking for the building to be repainted.

American Legion Commander Michael Collins presented his case to Tryon Town Council during the town’s meeting on Sept. 15. Collins said the American Legion recently decided to do some work on the inside and outside of the older building and borrowed $15,000 to do the work.

“We did not think about anything except the color we were choosing,” Collins said. “Then we got a call from Paula (Kempton, Tryon’s community development director) that said we violated an ordinance and I needed to go before the planning board to talk about it.

The planning board voted for the building to be repainted, but it was suggested Collins go before town council and ask for help.

“We can paint the building,” Collins told town council, but it will take about $2,000, assuming it will only take two coats.”

Collins said the American Legion has a meeting scheduled with the planning board to discuss possible paint schemes.

Commissioner George Baker said he asked Collins to come to town council. Baker said he is a veteran but is not a member of the American Legion.

“They out of the goodness of their hearts tried to make the place look better,” said Baker. “It’s not within the color palette of the historic district.”

Baker asked council to help the American Legion raise the money for the repainting of the building.

“If we the council can give money to TedX, we can give to this,” Baker said.

Baker added that if the town is able to help the American Legion, he will donate $100 of his personal money to the cause.

Town attorney Bailey Nager said state statutes do not permit the town to give money to a private property owner with taxpayer money.

Baker suggested the town help with a fundraiser. He said again if they can do a fundraiser he will kick in $100 and encouraged other council members to do the same.

“They stepped up and tried to do something right and got caught in the cross hairs,” Baker said.

Nearby business owner John Davis said he is a disabled veteran and the blue chosen is the American Legion’s official color. Davis asked if council can override the planning board’s decision and approve a variance.

Kempton clarified that the historic designation of the town is not in jeopardy over the color of the building. She said the historic designation is for Trade Street and the violation is in the town’s mixed commercial district.

Collins said the American Legion operates on an annual budget of approximately $15,000 that is raised through Bingo.

“Most of it goes towards organizations that help veterans,” Collins said.

He said over the last several years, money has also been placed into a building fund.

Commissioner Bill Ingham said legally, the town cannot give money, but offered to personally give $50 to the American Legion.

Davis said the town is focusing on this very pretty building, yet nobody is saying anything about the building next door, which has issues.

Kempton said there’s no time limit as to when the building must be repainted.

Baker asked for ideas to help the American Legion raise the money.

“We don’t mind repainting the building,” Collins said. “It’s the costs.”