ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The City of Rochester is severely limiting access to the East Avenue and Alexander Street area on Saturday nights until further notice. The city declared the area a "Special Event Zone" in order to enact the restrictions under Mayor Malik Evans' Gun Violence State of Emergency, which has been in place since July, 2022. The state of emergency gives the mayor broader powers to “protect life and property and to bring the emergency under control.” Starting Saturday and each Saturday until further notice, from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., pedestrians will only be allowed into the zone at four checkpoints: Chapman Alley and Alexander Street East Avenue and Alexander Street East Avenue and South Union Street Lawrence and Charlotte Streets Pedestrians must show photo ID at the checkpoints. Those 21 and above will be allowed in and given an access wristband. Backpacks and large bags will be prohibited. The following streets will be closed to traffic: Alexander Street from Chapman Alley to East Avenue Gardiner Park Dryer Alley Lawrence Street Shuart Street East Avenue, between Alexander Street and South Union Street Residents and employees working in the area will be allowed to drive on the closed streets. Parking will be open at the lot on South Union Street at East Avenue, but will only be accessible from South Union Street. No other parking will be open within the zone. “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,” Evans said in a statement released Friday. One day earlier, Evans announced gun violence in the city was at its lowest level since before the pandemic. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.