A hot topic on the agenda for the County Commission on Monday night was the discussion of the comprehensive plan amendments regarding the traffic element.

The major debate was over the level of services that will be offered in certain traffic areas. Currently, all roads within the county are level of service E, which is stop and go traffic.

Under the comprehensive plan, roads within Crawfordville's downtown would remain an LOS E. The further away from downtown, the LOS would gradually increase to LOS D, then C.

The plan also takes into account impact fees and Proportionate Fair-Share program, which is payment for roadways impacted by traffic from a proposed development.

Supporters of the change of certain roads to levels C and D say it will help to promote growth within Crawfordville and stop sprawl. They say it will encourage developers to build within the downtown area. Because it is a LOS E, there would be no impact on the roads, therefore no impact fees.

Commissioner Lynn Artz said she wanted to prevent the situation of 319 from happening elsewhere and not be stuck with sprawl, but a walkable community.

Chairman Howard Kessler agreed and said most people like businesses to be in a central area.

"Citizens are going to pay with a loss of the quality of life or out of their pockets," Kessler said if they choose not to charge impact fees and change the level of service of those roads.

Kessler said the impact fees don't stop businesses from coming to the county.

"They just have to pay their fair share," he added.

Those against the changes of the level of services say the impact fees will prevent businesses from developing in the county and will prevent growth.

One citizen said the fees would be, "an additional roadblock put in the way of businesses."

Another citizen agreed and said, "It's a huge impedment to new and current businesses."

The citizens also pointed out that the Wakulla County Planning Commission voted 3-5 in opposition to the changes.

Commissioner Mike Stewart was against the change of level of services and imposing an impact fee on new developers.

Stewart said it is something that should be put off until the economy turns around.

"Sooner or later, businesses will say it's not worth it," he said.

Artz said she believes it will work in favor of economic development rather than against it.

"It's in the best interest of businesses to have a road to travel on," she said.

She added that because of the level of services the county has set for its roads, Leon County is receiving money from new developers, while Wakulla County isn't.

The commission voted 3 to 2, with commissioners Alan Brock and Stewart opposing, to adopt the amendment to the comprehensive plan.