Oak Bluffs selectmen voted Tuesday night to turn part of narrow Dukes County avenue into a one-way road. Selectmen said the decision was motivated by concerns over safety and lack of parking.

The change will likely take effect before the start of December and is intended only as a temporary measure pending further study.

According to the plan approved by selectmen, traffic along the roadway between Wing Road and Masonic avenue will soon flow toward the harbor, with two-way traffic resuming at Masonic avenue. Parallel parking spots and a four-foot walkway will be installed on the left side of the street.

The plan will remain in effect until Labor Day as a probationary period. Selectmen will also revisit the plan in April and make adjustments as necessary pending traffic studies. Selectman Mike Santoro, a member of the roads and byways committee which formulated the plan, said the board of selectmen can choose to revisit or revoke the plan at any time.

“I think what we’re trying to do is just lay out a basic concept,” said highway superintendent Richard Combra Jr. “At the next meeting we can lay out limits. It’s not like building a roundabout. We’re going to do this and we can change it at any time without any big expense.”

The vote sparked lively, sometimes heated debate among area business and homeowners, most of whom conditionally supported the measure.

“I think it’s silly at the very least to say that this is about public safety, and is leaning toward dishonest,” said David Diriwachter, a resident of neighboring Winthrop avenue and the most vocal opponent to the change. Mr. Diriwachter said traffic would likely divert to Winthrop avenue, which is home to 14 young children.

“What measures are going to be taken?” asked Mr. Diriwachter. “I’m not against the idea of a one-way . . . but in this plan, the only one giving is us, because our kids are here, where 50 per cent of the traffic is going to go.”

“What if between now and April somebody gets killed here,” asked Mr. Diriwachter.

“I have real concerns whether this is going to solve any problems, parking-wise or otherwise and I’m sensitive to the kid issue on Winthrop. But having said that, I would like to try this on a trial basis,” said selectman Walter Vail.

Selectmen Gail Barmakian, Gregory Coogan and Mr. Santoro joined Mr. Vail in supporting the measure. Board chairman Kathleen Burton abstained.

Also at the meeting, selectmen agreed to extend interim town administrator Robert Whritenour’s contract by two months. The selectmen debated at length whether to scrap the search process and formally offer the job to Mr. Whritenour. With the board divided, they agreed to follow through with the search process, and reiterated their request that the search committee provide three finalists for the position. Mr. Whritenour will be an automatic fourth finalist for the job.