NEW: DeRobbio Blasts Elorza Over Federal Hill Fountain Disrepair

GoLocalProv News Team

NEW: DeRobbio Blasts Elorza Over Federal Hill Fountain Disrepair

The fountain at DePasquale Square was partially filled-in on Tuesday. Photo: MarroccoFB
Providence Mayoral Candidate Bob DeRobbio is blasting the Elorza Administration for allowing the historic fountain in DePasquale Square to fall into disrepair -- and be filled in for now. 

GoLocal was first to report on the development on Tuesday. 

"Giving up on the fountain in DePasquale Square and filling it in shows how the Elorza Administration is not supporting our small businesses. The fountain is more than just a decoration, it’s an important tourist attraction that brings diners to the nearby restaurants, adding valuable tourism dollars to Providence’s economy," said DeRobbio, who also criticized the Elorza Administration for placing parking meters in the commercial district. 

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DeRobbio said that he plans to make the first pledge toward raising funds and reaching out to small businesses to get them on board with the revival of the fountain. 

The Fountain 

The Providence-Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau writes of the iconic landmark:

If Garibaldi Park and the Gateway Arch are the welcoming arms of Federal Hill, DePasquale Square is its beating heart. The quatrefoil fountain and wide plaza are part of the Federal Hill revitalization effort. Back in the day, however, tens of thousands of immigrant families packed into these narrow streets and triple-deckers.

The Cappelli Block was completed in 1909 by Antonio Cappelli, one of the earliest Italian arrivals on the Hill, when Irish immigrants dominated the avenue. Along these streets, too, were the famous pushcarts, selling every variety of fruit and vegetable.


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