NYPD Security Proposal May Boot Hot Dog Vendors Near 9/11 Memorial

An NYPD security proposal has some hot dog vendors near the World Trade Center upset that they may have to move their carts away from the tourist-heavy site.

The proposal, which looks to allay security fears in the area, would expand the current "no-vendor zone" surrounding the site of the 9/11 Memorial.

Currently, no food carts or vendors can set up shop between Liberty Street and Vesey Street, or between West Street and Broadway. But sources tell NBC New York that the NYPD is looking to expand that zone a block north to Barclay Street and a block south to Cedar Street.

Alex Hanna, a hot dog vendor working in that area, claims his business would take a big hit.

"It would be like more than half business down," Hanna said.

While the new "no-vendor zone" is only two blocks bigger, multiple vendors said that they worry they'll lose their regular customers.

"All the workers here, they know us. It's good to stay in one place," Hanna said.

Hot dog cart operators also argue that there are already vendors working down the street, and there aren't enough customers to keep everyone in business.

The NYPD wouldn't comment, but the concern is over the hot dog carts themselves, which could be used to hide an explosive. A new police vehicle checkpoint is being built at the 9/11 Memorial site and the carts are close to the checkpoint.

Some regular customers defended the vendors' position, saying they have never caused problems before.

"They're not harassing anybody. They're making a living, so I don't think they should move," Sam Lewis said.

So far, the changes are just proposals. It would take a state law to expand the "no-vendor zone", and no new legislation has been proposed.

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