The Greenville County Commission chambers were the stage for a dramatic confrontation yesterday, 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.
“I implore you,” the resident began, addressing the commissioners, “do not ‘kick the can’ down the street on this vote today.” This opening statement immediately established the urgency of the situation, foreshadowing a debate that would delve into the intricacies of environmental regulation, community preservation, and the interpretation of legal documents.
The core of the dispute centered on the proposed Bruce Lake Development, a high-density project perceived by residents as a grave threat to the fragile ecosystem of the lake and its adjacent wetlands. “This development is so fundamentally flawed,” the resident declared, revealing the Charleston developer’s intention to transfer the project to Palmetto Alliance, a maneuver attributed to the developer’s past failures to secure necessary environmental permits.
Displaying a collection of documents, the resident underscored the legal complexities surrounding the development. Central to the argument was the Bruce Lake Covenant, a public document filed with Greenville County by the original developer, Ted Bruce, in 1951. This covenant, residents argued, explicitly forbids actions that could harm the lake, including its use as a detention pond—a key aspect of the current development plan.
“Mr. Bruce intended to protect the lake,” the resident emphasized, citing the covenant’s prohibition of “anything to be done which would tend to make the lake a hazard or nuisance.” This was juxtaposed against the developer’s plan, which residents claimed would “conduct storm flows through and off the site,” directly contravening the covenant’s provisions.
Environmental concerns were equally prominent. The resident detailed the proposed development’s close proximity to the lake, its encroachment on natural springs, and the potential destruction of vital wooded buffers that safeguard the lake’s water quality. The project’s impact on the Reedy River, into which Bruce Lake flows, and the concerns raised by the “Friends of the Reedy River” organization were also highlighted.
“They plan to build directly above a natural spring,” the resident warned, emphasizing the potential harm to the rare Bunched Arrowhead plant. The proposed density of 10 units per acre, with buildings a mere 25 feet from the lake, was contrasted with Ted Bruce’s original vision of spacious lots and a 200-foot buffer.
Adding an emotional dimension to the presentation, the resident referenced a young child present, emphasizing the importance of responsive government. “She wants to see her government respond to the people’s voice,” the resident stated, “She wants to see that Greenville County believes reasonable development starts with legality and feasibility.”
Residents also accused the developer of reneging on prior promises, citing a 2016 public meeting where the project was presented as a low-density development with detached houses. They argued that the current high-density plan represents a significant betrayal of those initial assurances.
The commission voted down the development, but the developer intends to return with another high-density plan in the future. The outcome of future votes will not only determine the fate of Bruce Lake but also establish a precedent for future development projects within Greenville County.