A prominent New York imam working with the developers of a controversial Downtown Manhattan Islamic center and mosque said he understands the concerns of families of September 11th victims.

Imam Abdallah Adhami said "I am with them" as he addressed a weekly prayer service among large crowds of Muslim worshippers gathered at the site of the proposed Park51 Islamic center in Downtown Manhattan.

Meanwhile, demonstrators who are both for and against the proposed mosque continued to rally today outside the site on Park Place.

The imam also said the developers of the site should be doing more to create a better public perception of the project.

"It could very well be a real estate coincidence, you know?" said Adhami. "If there was more transparency, honestly, if the developers start talking more openly, then they would be able to answer these questions."

The congregation pledged at least $10,000 in donations in just 15 minutes on Friday, but it was unclear whether the money would go towards the new center or upkeep of the current prayer space.