Hamilton councillors are holding up a stop sign to the city's plan to convert York Boulevard. into a two-way street.

If the politicians prevent the street conversion, it could jeopardize the $11.5 million redevelopment of the Hamilton Farmers' Market and the central branch of the Hamilton Public Library, say city staff.

In an abrupt change last week, councillors refused to endorse in a controversial 5-4 vote on the city's Downtown Transportation Master Plan five-year review because of plans to convert York Boulevard between Bay St. and James St. from one-way traffic to two-way.

Public works general manager Scott Stewart acknowledged that the redevelopment of the farmers' market and the library is based upon converting York Boulevard to two-way traffic. The admission had some councillors perturbed. They argued city staff were pushing for a two-way street conversion without proper approval from council.

Some politicians were also opposed to the transportation plan's two-way conversion of Park St., MacNab St., Hughson St., King William St. and Rebecca St.

"I thought we wanted to make (the downtown area) customer-friendly," said Hamilton Mountain councillor Tom Jackson. "I am extremely perplexed and disturbed."

Only nine out of 16 councillors were present for the vote.

The traffic plan has been the approved blueprint to help revitalize the city's downtown core since 2001, argued supporters of the plan.

The public works committee easily approved it earlier in the week.

"I don't want to lose this," said Dundas councillor Russ Powers. "This is much too valuable to the city."

The estimated cost for the market renovations is about $6.5 million, while the library upgrade is expected to cost about $4 million. Plans are to begin construction in January 2009, and are expected to be completed by March 2010.

Members of the emergency and community services committee last month gave a lukewarm response to preliminary designs for the market and library. Some councillors called it too "cold" with not enough emphasis on preserving local heritage.

Council's decision immediately raised questions about the future of the market and library redevelopment plans, said public works general manager Scott Stewart.

After a few minutes of conflicted debate, councillors rescinded their original vote, then deferred the recommendation until the Aug. 7 council meeting.

City staff will be making a presentation to councillors on the issue.

Still, some councillors who voted against the transportation plan said they were surprised about the plans for the conversion.

"I'm perplexed too," said Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins.

"I'm not supportive of the (two-way) streets. But by no means does it hold up the (redevelopment) plans. I take great offense by that."

Mr. Collins said since 2001 city staff have assured him he could vote again two-way street conversion at any time.

"To suggest we are pulling the rug out is disingenuous. I still support the plan."

Stoney Creek councillor Brad Clark agreed, arguing the redevelopment will not be impacted by a two-way conversion.

"It is pure hyperbole," he said. "Councillors have raised concerns about converting one-way to two-way streets."

Mr. Stewart acknowledged to councillors that they can design the library and market around a one-way street.

"Can it be undone? Yes. It can be redone," he said.