Backers of a controversial initiative to reduce traffic by restricting development say they will likely re-circulate a modified version of the measure, bowing to concerns raised by business leaders.

The Oxnard Traffic Initiative failed to qualify for the November 2008 ballot, falling short by more than 1,100 required signatures.

Oxnard Councilman Tim Flynn, who is leading the initiative, said today that it's unlikely backers will ask City Clerk Daniel Martinez to recount all the signatures. Last week's announcement was based on a random sample by the Ventura County Elections Division.

Backers had considered seeking a full count — based on 7,066 signatures — at their expense. They need 5,976 signatures to qualify or 10 percent of registered voters.

Using the random sample, 68 percent, or 4,833, signatures, approved of the initiative. Flynn conceded that with such a wide gap, a full count would not make a difference.

"In that context, we're looking at making some very small revisions," Flynn said, adding that backers were "toying with ideas that might make it more agreeable to the business community."

Two changes are under consideration. One would likely raise the threshold of a development's size before someone has to repair a congested traffic intersection.

The current version of the initiative would have applied to residential proposals of six or more homes or commercial projects exceeding 5,000 square feet within five miles of badly congested intersections.

Traffic engineers rate intersections from A to F. The initiative would have prohibited development near intersections rated D or below, unless congestion problems were fixed first.

A modified version may also exempt religious institutions and private schools, Flynn said.

Under the previous language, a proposed development would go to voters if no one fixed the traffic problem. Critics said this would unfairly burden religious groups and private schools with financing a ballot measure for development proposals.

Flynn characterized the modifications as 75 percent certain. The changes must be approved by initiative's committee: Flynn, activists Bert Perrello and Edward Castillo and attorneys Richard Francis and Fred Rosenmund.

Backers also are soliciting input from a host of neighborhood council leaders and community activists, Flynn said. He expects a formal decision no later than Friday. Flynn said the group still hopes to qualify for the November 2008 ballot. Backers would have until May 16 to turn in petition signatures, Flynn said.

A leader of the opposition group said he could not comment without first reading a modified initiative.

Tom Cady, chairman of the Citizens for a Safe & Prosperous Oxnard, called it "unfortunate" that backers won't take their concerns to the City Council.

"I believe we ought to work within the system," Cady said.