Hazel Dwyer, a resident of North Catherine Street, a one-way street in the Center City, said that if the city changes the Oval traffic pattern then they should change other one-way streets.

"I've lived on that one-way street for 20 years and you should see the people who speed there," Dwyer said.

"The Oval is a wonderful asset to the city, don't ruin it."

James Bailey, the city historian, said changing the Oval would make it confusing to visitors who already have a hard time finding places.

"And I don't see how it would work in the winter with snow removal," Bailey said.

Councilor Timothy Carpenter (D-Ward 1) said changing the traffic would actually force more cars to travel in front of the Oval residences.

"That's where the kids are trying to cross the street," Carpenter said.

"To me that would decrease safety."

Councilor Chris Jackson (D-Ward 6), who lives on Oak Street, a one-way street, said people tend to speed more on one-way streets.

"I just don't think it will make it safer," he said.

Councilor Michael Kelly (D-Ward 2), who represents the Oval area, said the city needs more avenues to bike and walk.

"We need these areas right outside our front door, not on the edge of town," he said before casting the lone vote supporting the change.

"Also, this is a grassroots effort and if the people want it and feel strongly about it, then so do I."

Kelly said that despite losing the vote, he still wants to pursue further studies of traffic on the Oval.

"This is a good idea and it will come back," he said.