Marrocco: Federal Hill Residents Racists, Says Taveras Should "Run Back to the D.R."

Marrocco: Federal Hill Residents Racists, Says Taveras Should "Run Back to the D.R."

Federal Hill business owner Gianfranco Marrocco says his neighbors are "racists" and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras "should run back to the Dominican Republic."

Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's hearing before the city licensing board- in which the closure of Marrocco's "$3 Bar" was extended until a final decision is reached- Marrocco exploded into an all out offensive, calling the hearing "a witch hunt."

"They don't want the type of people I bring to Federal Hill," Marrocco said of his neighbors, who marched down to city hall to hand deliver a letter and over 100 signatures demanding the $3 Bar be shut down on the basis of public safety.

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Marrocco said he brings Latinos, African-Americans, Lebanese people, and other non-Italian ethnic groups to Federal Hill.

"No one has the courage to say it," Marrocco said.  "I'm calling them all racists."

Marrocco then lashed out at Mayor Taveras, who told business owners and residents in Federal Hill Monday that he firmly supports shutting down the $3 Bar.

"He wants to run the state, he should run back to the Dominican Republic," Marrocco said.  "From Head Start to Harvard, my ass."

Marrocco took shots at the city of Providence as well, and said he'll fight to keep his business.

"This is a Mickey Mouse city run by Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck," Marrocco said.  "I will fight this to the Hague."