“Special Event Zone” Created for Saturday Nights at the East End

Mayor Malik D. Evans announced the creation of a “Special Event Zone” on Saturday nights in the East End district of Rochester. The City of Rochester Law Department, in conjunction with the Rochester Police Department and East End business owners, worked under the Mayor’s Gun Violence State of Emergency to enact the zone to improve safety for bar and restaurant patrons in the area. 

“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,” said 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.” 

Starting Saturday, September 28, between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., pedestrians can enter the Special Event Zone at four locations:

• Chapman Alley and Alexander Street;

• East Avenue and Alexander Street;

• East Avenue and South Union Street;

• Lawrence and Charlotte Streets. 

Access will be limited to those over the age of 21, and photo identification is required. Patrons will receive a wristband upon entry. Per New York State law, establishments will still be required to check IDs before serving alcohol. 

Backpacks and other large bags will be prohibited. 

To create the Special Event Zone, the following streets will be closed to all 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 be fully accessible in both directions. 

Parking will be available at the lot located at the corner of South Union Street and East Avenue and will be accessible only via South Union Street. There will be no other parking within the Special Event Zone.

Ride sharing is encouraged, and pick-up and drop-offs should take place on East Avenue, either east of Alexander Street or west of South Union Street. Ride sharing will not be permitted within the Special Event Zone. 

“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 Special Event Zone in the East End will be implemented on Saturday nights until further notice.