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traffic flow that starts and stops in waves with frequent gridlock at signals. Also “F” presents very few gaps in traffic for ingress, results in a dramatic increase in travel times and crash rates, and traffic signals cannot be coordinated. He showed a computer simulation, using Synchro software, rd to illustrate a LOS “D” on 43 Avenue and LOS “F”. Mr. Mora responded to questions from the Commissioners during and after his presentation concerning turn lanes, peak hour traffic’s originations and destinations, proposed th scenarios, proposed solutions including extension of 58 Avenue to Oslo Road, and cooperation rd with St. Lucie County. He pointed out that in the P.M. peak hours the traffic on 43 Avenue thins th out as it moves to the south; a continuation of 58 Avenue into St. Lucie County would help traffic rdth on 43 & 27 Avenues. Commissioner Macht recounted an experiment about placing an obstacle in the pathway of ants and how they went around it. Just like ants, he proposed that people tend to look for alternatives when there is an impediment (such as heavy traffic) in their path. Questions and discussion then centered on a delay in continuing preparations to rd widen 43 Avenue and how it would affect already approved new developments. Director Keating pointed out the County has future plans to widen roadways out to the year 2030. He predicted the Commissioners will be seeing a lot of people from all over the county who are opposed to having their road widened. Commissioner Adams inquired about how LOS “F” will affect impact fees, and County Attorney Collins responded that a model already has been done and our impact fees are based on the road program in the Comp Plan; a change to “F” may invalidate our impact fee schedule. If the reduction in LOS is restricted to the south county area, the people who would be paying for road improvements could say why do you need our money. He also thought that if we lower the LOS to “F” the Commissioners would have to remember that we are loosening development regulations and then it would be difficult to impose more restrictions because of the Bert Harris Act. He also warned the County could be facing costly litigation settlements. “F” would make it easier for developers because they would not have to meet a concurrency test at “F” and that runs contrary to the comprehensive planning process. July 20, 2004 25