I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that the Gate Ward was *outside* of the city.
People would bottle-neck there are they tried to gain entry to the city and were delayed with taxes, inspections, credential review, etc; so it was natural that vendors would set up trying to sell to those stuck outside of the city. It also served as a location for the merchants within the sity to sell to those who could not enter, or who needed to purchase, but didn't want the hassle of getting in.
Really enjoying the app, btw.