Letter to the Editor - Billboard on Polish Club

Dearest Friends,

Well - we did all we could. After 2+ years, numerous meetings, and one lawsuit against the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeals, the club has lost what may be our final vote for the billboard 5-2. This means that we will not be allowed to construct a billboard on the back of our property that would generate much needed revenue to help us support our Club operations.

We were so hopeful that this billboard would be approved by the City and allow us to see our vision for the future of our club become a reality - in particular, using the money to help us build a kitchen where we could serve food to our members and guests.

The officers and directors would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped in this process. A huge thank you to all of you who wrote letters, made phone calls, attended meetings and waited almost 4 hours during the hearing today before our appeal was called.

Our heartfelt thanks to the McCormack, Andrews Square and Polish Triangle neighborhood associations for their support (as well as Councilors Michael Flaherty and Erin Murphy who spoke on our behalf during the hearing).

Obviously this is disappointing news. We are seeing if there is any remaining path forward for the billboard and will keep you all updated.

In the meantime, if you want to support the Polish Club, come by for a drink (and bring your friends). Rent the hall for your next event. Attend our events (we are looking for volunteers to help with Polish Fest planning). Make sure your membership is up to date and recommend membership for your Polish friends and family. Make a donation.

Again, thank you all for your support and help in this process. It did not turn out how we hoped, but that will not deter us from making sure the Polish Club not only survives, but thrives.

Kind regards,

Z wyrazami szacunku, The officers and directors of the Polish American Citizens Club Stasia, Eric, Peter, Erica, Jay, Dawn, Ed, Keith, and Joanna

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Marisa Carlini

pieces to feature in the shop.

She also offers a free one-hour consultation for interior design. At this house call, she finds out what the customer is looking for, their budget, their style. These sessions might be for draperies or accessories, furniture or pillows.

When you stop in the shop, you’ll also get to meet Marisa’s cute dog, Baylor, who is her constant companion.

have been going to Miss Linda’s forever. To give back, Marisa teaches 4- and 5-year-old dancers.

Her kids go to South Boston Catholic Academy and she coaches basketball there. She’s also involved with Southie softball.

“It takes you out of your own life for an hour where I’m not thinking about the business,” Marisa said.

Speaking of business, Marisa’s boutique at 66A L Street is turning 1 this month. LUXE offers Marisa’s interior design services as well as a retail shop. She specializes in discovering rare and unusual decorative pieces. “Our boutique store and design services will provide relaxed, sophisticated, layered looks, satisfying city living, family living, and busy living.”

After 30 years in the design industry at the Design Center, Marisa realized her dream of opening her own shop, calling it one of the best decisions she’s ever made.

The timing was right, the situation was perfect. The space opened up right near her house. “After 30 years of working for somebody else, I can bring my knowledge and relationships to my own space.”

It was sort of unplanned, but she credits SCORE Boston and Eastern Bank for helping her get started.

The first year saw ups and downs, ebbs and flows, but she’s having a blast.

The retail part has been fun, Marisa said, noting she enjoys researching and choosing which

The shop is a perfect fit for Marisa, a people person. “It’s been a joy to meet so many people. I love that part of it,” she said, noting she’s made many new friends since opening the shop.

“I hope to have a personal connection with each and every one of you by providing quality service and products and great customer care,” said Marisa.

Along that same vein, Marisa, 56, is an unofficial small business ambassador in the neighborhood. “I try to support locals.”

When new businesses open, she stops by, helps promote them, and encourages them to join the South Boston Chamber of Commerce. She has items from local makers and businesses in her shop and hosts sip & shops with local makers.

What’s the highlight from her first year? Being an entrepreneur, she said. “I’m proud of myself for doing this.”

What’s she looking forward to in Year 2? More business, more people seeing her boutique. “I’m hoping that my relationships with people will spread the word.”

The native New Yorker has lived in South Boston for 18 years and loves it.

“I love that it’s convenient. It’s a large neighborhood … I love that there’s so many parks. And I love the beach. I just love the city atmosphere. I love my kids being raised here.

And she loves the people.

Website: https://www. luxehomeinterior.com/

Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/ luxehomeboston/