Help us negotiate with the developer and Greenville County to protect Bruce Lake Nature Preserve!
On April 27, 2022 the Charlotte Developer was denied by the Greenville County Planning Commission to build 52 town homes on 5 acres of Bruce Lake watershed. A number of organizations and thousands of Greenville County citizens successfully asked the Commission to deny approval because it would generate damaging pollution to Bruce Lake and the Reedy River, and because it goes against the Greenville County comprehensive planning program. In addition, the developer has not resolved Restrictive Covenants which limit commercial activities on Bruce Lake.
The Greenville County Planning Commission may reverse the Bruce Lake ruling
Following the Greenville Planning Commissions rejection on April 27, 2022, members of the Bruce Heights Community mailed an offer letter to purchase Bruce Lake and the adjoining properties. Additional phone calls to the Charleston land owner were not successful because of their pending lawsuit with Greenville County.
Those who opposed the subdivision included the Bruce Heights Community, Friends of the Reedy River, Parker Roads Community, Sans Souci Neighborhood Alliance, Upstate Forever, and the Southern Environmental Law Center.
The disturbing precedent for reversing a commission denial happened. July 27, 2022 the final development plan for Roberts Farm, a subdivision along East Mountain Creek Church Road near Pebble Creek community, received approval by the Greenville County Planning Commission, despite being denied by the commission multiple times in the past.
Two days after that reversal, Cindy Clark resigned from the commission. Her departure was a further blow to reasonable development in Greenville County. Appointed by Greenville County Council, at least five of the remaining commissioners have a history of private real estate development that conflicts with their duties, as evidenced in their recusals preceding public votes. These former and current realtors and developers have the majority vote when deciding whether to approve or deny zoning and development applications in Greenville County. Although there are no rules to prevent Greenville County Councilors from appointing developers and realtors to the commission, state law requires an unbiased application of the rules when voting. 
According to a government website for the County of Greenville’s Planning Division, the comprehensive planning program seeks to “promote sustainable community development, minimize land-use conflicts, coordinate regional transportation planning and investment, and evaluate current rezoning and construction proposals in the unincorporated County.”
How can you help?
- Make a donation to the Bruce Lake Nature Preserve
- Call your local Greenville County Council and ask them to get involved
- Call the Greenville County Planning Commission and ask them to vote “NO” to development