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A 2004 state law prohibits vendors from working the area bordered by Broadway on the east, West Street on the west, Liberty Street on the south side, and Vesey Street on the north.

But, in a report released Sunday, Stringer says a recent survey by his office found more than a hundred instances of illegal vending in the area.

During the 10-day study, his office found an average of 15 vendors flouting the law every day.

The vendors, the report finds, are undeterred by a fine of $50. However, the Port Authority says that it has arrested about 300 people for violating the law.

Stringer says the illegal vending is not only a safety issue given the construction in the area, it's also a matter of respect for the thousands who died at the site.

"What's especially troubling about this is, this is a place we understand, we treat with special reverence and dignity and respect," said Stringer. "We don't think this should be a three-ring circus where profiteers are cashing in on one of the worst tragedy to befall the United States of America."

"If the money was going to a good cause the Fire Department the Police Department, maybe it's a good thing," said one visitor to the World Trade Center site. "But if it's going into the wrong pocket, then no, I don't agree with it."

Vendors defend selling the items at the sites for several reasons. For one thing, they say they are helping to keep history alive.

The vendors also say that since many of them are registered and have tax ID numbers, they are paying taxes on these sales and, therefore, helping the economy.

"When tourists come, they provide us with their money that we use to distribute into this economy," said one vendor through a translator. "That is what we do."

Stringer is calling on the Port Authority police and the NYPD to increase enforcement of the ban, and raise the fine.