Residents ask Isle of Palms not to promote back cul-de-sac drop-off after Google Maps confusion

Residents and staff debated use of the 28th Avenue cul-de-sac behind the recreation center for drop-off and event parking during the July 7 committee meeting. Multiple residents said online directions and signage have led visitors into a residential dead-end, creating queuing and safety concerns.

A resident who said he and his wife have lived on Isle of Palms for 18 years told the committee "directing people to 28th occasionally creates ongoing subjectiveness and confusion" and asked that the city remove public directions to the back cul-de-sac, update the website and eliminate signage that routes visitors through residential streets.

Staff explained that the back cul-de-sac is used occasionally for vendor and event parking and for one week of summer camp drop-off because it leads directly to the gym, but that the city does not advertise the back entrance as the regular drop-off point. A staff member said she has contacted Google Maps to correct routing and suggested changing web wording to specify "front drop-off/loop" or "front of the rec center" rather than using the term "cul-de-sac."

Committee members were split about whether the city should promote the back access for limited uses. Several members suggested simply rewording public-facing directions so the front drop-off is clear and not promoting the residential route; others said managed use for specific events (farmers market vendors, camp week) could continue with on-site parking direction.

The committee asked staff to adjust language in public materials, continue working on Google Maps corrections, and avoid promoting the back route as a general drop-off point.