Town officials placed stringent security measures on the festivities last year in response to Sept. 11, but this year officials want to bring people back by increasing accessibility to Franklin Street.
Last year's traffic was diverted for a 1-mile radius around the downtown area, but this Halloween the restrictions are eased to closing Franklin Street from Raleigh to Mallette streets and Columbia Street from Rosemary Street to Cameron Avenue.
For the first time, town officials will provide bus service from four park-and-ride lots to Franklin Street at the cost of $2 one way or $3 round trip.
Robert Humphreys, executive director of the Downtown Commission, said last year's restrictions dissuaded residents from attending the festivities. "We think the community was discouraged from participating last year," Humphreys said.
"Halloween 2000 saw 50,000 people on Franklin Street during one point in the night," said Chapel Hill Assistant Town Manager Bill Stockard. "In 2001, there were fewer than 25,000. So yes, the measures taken did affect the turnout."
Residents in the area say they are mostly optimistic toward the lessened restrictions.
"I've got no problem with them lessening the restrictions. Last year it seemed a little extreme," said Charlie Cleary, who lives near Franklin Street.
Resident Laurie Gilmore of Short Street said the shuttle buses will help to curb illegal parking because participants can ride the buses instead of searching for a space downtown.
"They're going to come anyway. ... (They can use buses) instead of parking illegally," Gilmore said.
Some residents, such as Charles Sweeney of Southern Village, said the restrictions are justified if the number of people coming make the area unsafe. "If there are too many people, I think (the restrictions are) justified," Sweeney said.
Many students also said they were disappointed with last year's restrictions and are pleased the town has decided to revert back to a more relaxed plan for Halloween.
"There was just too much security and too many restrictions (last year)," said senior Megan Jerch. "It wasn't the same fun atmosphere of the past years."
"Last year was a lot more low-key," said junior Moira Murphy. "There just weren't as many people there."
The safety and security of both revelers and non-participants is a concern for local residents and businessmen.
Arthur Dragoslis, who has owned Miami Subs on Franklin Street for five years, said the key to public safety on Halloween is that people must be responsible while enjoying the night. "As long as people keep their cool, everything will be all right."
Miami Subs will take the same security measures this year as it did last year, but Dragoslis noted that it was an increase from the previous years.
Many local businesses said security procedures will remain the same as they were last year.
Top of the Hill Manager Mike Baleno said his restaurant is not going to take more precautions than it did last year. Baleno said people in general are in a better mood on Halloween. "It's almost like a game-day crowd," Baleno said. "In general, there are less problems on Halloween night."
Business owners and managers said they expect an increase in business on Halloween because of the lessened police and traffic restrictions.
"It's going to be crazy," said Cliff Hooper, a manager at Buffalo Wild Wings. "(There will be) a lot more business."
Humphreys said the main concern on Halloween should be maintaining safety precautions for the people who flock to the downtown area.
"(Police) concern is not to shut down Halloween," he said. "It's really for the safety of the (35,000) to 50,000 people who come here."
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