Design Review Board approves Lil' Zitelle sign with black background; Black Cat signage tabled for revisions.
Design Review Board approves three projects; Black Cat signage tabled for revisions. Chair Paul Durand led the board to a 6-0 vote approving the Lil' Zitelle sign at 195 Essex Street after the applicant changed the background from white to black. A 6-0 vote also approved outdoor dining expansion at
Design Review Board · Meeting of May 20, 2026
SALEM — Design Review Board approves three projects; Black Cat signage tabled for revisions. Chair Paul Durand led the board to a 6-0 vote approving the Lil' Zitelle sign at 195 Essex Street after the applicant changed the background from white to black. A 6-0 vote also approved outdoor dining expansion at 2 East India Square for Not Ya Mama's Vegan Café, with five two-seater tables to be reviewed by the Accessibility Commission post-installation.
The El Centro landscaping plan received 5-0 approval with revisions due May 27, including cross-slope labeling and plant species reconsideration. The Forest River Residences second phase advanced 6-0, eliminating wood infill panels and pending final color renderings from the applicant.
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Source: the Design Review Board meeting of May 20, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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