News Nearby: Medford City Councilor Compares Mayor to Hitler

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians.

MEDORD—When City Councilor Robert Penta compared Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn's administration to the Gestapo, another councilor told him that could be offensive to some people.

So Penta changed his words. “Fine - the Hitler-type tactics the mayor uses in this community,” he said. Penta and two other city councilors were upset over not being invited to a press conference McGlynn held on Monday.

MALDEN—Converse Restaurant has been in Malden for decades, and it may come as a shock to some that such a longstanding establishment has become a victim of the recession. 

Gone is the french toast and the liver and onions, but memories and hopes for the site remain. Our has the details, but it's missing your opinion. 

The new owners are possibly considering putting in a convenience store in the Converse space. Is the the best replacement for Converse, or is there a business that could better serve the neighborhood?

WAKEFIELD—Cafe La Diva, the Hollywood-esque artisan coffee and pastry shop on Albion Street in Wakefield is closing its doors after only seven months in operation.

The store has already begun to sell off its property, including coffee and other food products, coffee machinery, tables, chairs and decorations. While it may seem the store is the latest victim of a stagnant economy, owner Lina Coyle said that's not the case.

"It wasn't because of lack of business, it's a personal matter in the management," Coyle said. "It's a sensative subject, but I want people to know it had nothing to do with customers. There were a lot of people who kept me in business," she said, calling the circumstances of the closing "totally unforseen."

READING—A demolition crew took down a former office building near Rt. 95 in Reading last week, reducing the short tower to a pile of rubble in seconds.