Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans has announced the establishment of a "Special Event Zone" on Saturday nights in Rochester's East End district. This initiative, developed by the City of Rochester Law Department in collaboration with the Rochester Police Department and local business owners, is part of the Mayor’s Gun Violence State of Emergency to enhance safety for bar and restaurant patrons.

“One or two people who choose to bring a weapon to a Saturday night out should not be allowed to impact the hundreds of people who want to enjoy themselves at a local establishment,” stated Mayor Evans. “To encourage the continued vitality of the East End bar district, while also ensuring the safety of patrons, we are enacting a new Special Event Zone on Saturday nights.”

The zone will be operational starting Saturday, September 28, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Pedestrians can enter at four designated locations: Chapman Alley and Alexander Street; East Avenue and Alexander Street; East Avenue and South Union Street; Lawrence and Charlotte Streets. Entry is restricted to individuals over 21 years old, who must present photo identification and will receive a wristband upon entry. Establishments will still need to check IDs before serving alcohol as per New York State law.

Backpacks and other large bags will be prohibited within this zone.

Several streets will be closed to vehicular traffic except for residents and employees: Alexander Street from Chapman Alley to East Avenue; Gardiner Park; Dryer Alley; Lawrence Street; Shuart Street; and East Avenue between Alexander Street and South Union Street. South Union Street will remain fully accessible in both directions.

Parking is available at a lot located at South Union Street and East Avenue, accessible only via South Union Street. No other parking will be permitted within the Special Event Zone.

Ride-sharing services are encouraged with pick-up and drop-off points designated on East Avenue either east of Alexander Street or west of South Union Street. Ride sharing inside the Special Event Zone is not allowed.

“We want people to have a good time,” said Mayor Evans. “We are a festival city, and it makes sense to invest in the East End. We can’t have a few knuckleheads ruin it for everyone.”

The implementation of this Special Event Zone on Saturday nights will continue until further notice.