With the decision to have a disc jockey on Court Street during the Halloween celebration still pending, Ohio University students and Athens community members have mixed feelings about the proposed entertainment.

Council's proposal of a disc jockey has evoked responses from those who think the bands, which Council President Guy Philips said have been a part of the Halloween celebration for about 10 years, should stay as well as those who agree with the reasoning behind.

"Bands get people dancing. I don't know anyone that would go up for a DJ," sophomore Joe Walker said.

Russ Lindenschmidt, member of the band The Beatdowns, who were scheduled to play at Halloween, felt strongly that the bands are an important part of the Halloween celebration.

"Personally, I feel that for this year the bands gave it a sense of credibility that there was something to do rather then saturate your body with alcohol," Lindenschmidt said. "If nothing is there, it is just a big excuse to drink, (and then) it turns into a glorified street party and we have enough of those."

Athens business owners also are calling for the Council to reconsider the decision to cease having live bands at the Uptown celebration.

Council proposed having a disc jockey in response to the community's disagreement about where to put the bandstand this year.

Baum said if council votes for having a disc jockey, the bandstand would not be able to block the street so Emergency Medical System vehicles can access Court Street if necessary.

The recommendation to move the bandstand came from the Halloween Task Force, which was formed in January to help coordinate this year's festivities.

Athens Fire Chief Tom Troxel said he supports the idea of a disc jockey for safety reasons. The bandstand blocks the streets creating safety hazards, he said. A disc jockey will not require a large bandstand that would block the entire street.

Some OU students say they think that a disc jockey is a positive alternative to ensure a safe celebration.

"I think that the compromise is a good idea for safety, but I don't think [having] no entertainment would make a lesser crowd," said sophomore Julie Smith.

Other students feel that the bands are part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Senior Geoff Lane said the bands concentrate people in one area, making it easier to control.

Senior Laura Richards said she attended Halloween just to see a band and thinks without the bands the weekend can lead to more drinking problems.

Business owners tend to favor the larger crowds to increase profits, but don't feel affected by a decision to have a disc jockey.

Gus Shaar, owner of Hole in the Wall Sub Shop, 35 N. Court St., said that Athens has been lucky in past years but who knows about this year.

"Anything that will control the crowds more is a benefit for the city," he said.

Tom Schaffer, manager of The Pub, 39 N. Court St., said people don't come Uptown just for the bands.

"I don't see the live music being really important," Shaffer said. "I don't think that people come to Halloween to see those bands. They are coming down for the experience."

Philips said the council has not introduced having bands because he already sees a lack of support.

"We just don't have the votes to support having live entertainment on Court Street this year," he said. "I can see how the votes are lining up and I know of three members that are against live bands."

The decision of whether to have a disc jockey or no entertainment will be made with in the next two weeks at the council meetings.