Bruce Lake News

At Bruce Lake, the recent draining of the lake demonstrates blatant disregard for property covenants, specifically concerning the obligations of the developers under the original easement agreement.

On August 27, 2024, the property was transferred from one developer to another despite a lawyer-presented contract to purchase the land at a fair market price. The owner snubbed the Bruce Heights neighborhood and, instead, transferred the property to another developer as a sort of retribution for community appeals against the 52-townhome development.

The Bruce Heights community agreed to the asking price on April 11, 2024, to purchase the Bruce Lake Development LLC properties. The Charleston Developer said, "NO, I'm selling it to another developer who will hopefully have better luck developing the property" 

South Carolina's Title 6 provides a crucial framework for responsible development. By understanding and utilizing these laws, our neighbors oppose development on Bruce Lake and play an active role in ensuring a respect for the environment and local character.

The Bruce Lake ecosystem, a beloved natural resource in Greenville, is facing a severe threat: stormwater pollution. Toxic algae blooms, fueled by nutrient-rich runoff from urban areas, are plaguing the river, jeopardizing public health and harming aquatic life.

Bruce Lake Development, LLC, and Larry E. McNair continue contesting the Greenville County Planning Commission's decision to deny their preliminary subdivision application. The developers do not deny the environmental concerns in their lawsuit. The ongoing dispute surrounding the Bruce Lake development in Greenville County reveals a complex interplay of environmental concerns, legal procedure, and local governance.

Bruce Lake, a serene freshwater body nestled in our community, faces a significant threat: the proposed discharge of untreated stormwater from a new development. The Bruce Lake Development plan, poses serious environmental risks and demands our immediate attention. The developer's proposal, seeking to directly channel substantial quantities of stormwater into Bruce Lake, disregards established best practices and jeopardizes the lake's ecological integrity and recreational value. Let's explore the multifaceted reasons why this is a deeply concerning proposition.

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.

The lawsuit has faced criticism for several reasons: It appears to prioritize the developer's interests over community concerns, as it disregards the protests and objections raised by local citizens regarding the development's potential negative impacts. The lawsuit also downplays the potential environmental consequences of the development, such as harm to local ecosystems and water quality. Additionally, the lawsuit is seen by some as an attempt to undermine the authority of the Planning Commission and the importance of community input in local development decisions.

The Greenville County Commission chambers were the stage for a dramatic confrontation, as residents of the Bruce Lake area passionately opposed a contentious development project, citing both environmental perils and breaches of legal agreements. A determined Greenville resident, speaking on behalf of multiple community groups, delivered a compelling narrative to stop development at Bruce Lake.

The decision to deny the Bruce Lake development is small victory against big development in Greenville, SC. It sends a clear message that developers must take community concerns seriously and prioritize environmental protection. It is also essential that development proposals fully consider their potential environmental impacts and incorporate measures to mitigate those impacts.

The proposed development has not only divided the community but also exposed differing interpretations of regulations and their applicability. The proposed development has united the community while exposing the lack of protections inherent in Greenville County government where developers often get what they want because of long-standing relationships with Greenville County staff and Planning Commissioners.