What's Replacing Peacuddy's in the Highlands?

You Ask, Patch Answers is a weekly column for Melrosians who have questions about something they've spotted around the city or wondered about. Submit your question to danield@patch.com.

Several readers have sent in questions over the past month about New England Cafe and Bakery, the shop that appears to be replacing the in the Highlands.

Answers came at last Thursday's meeting of the aldermen's Protection and License Committee, which discussed the common victullar application of William Chapdelaine, owner of the building and proprietor of the new cafe.

Chapdelaine told the aldermen that he retired from General Electric in 2006 and is now hoping to "recoup some of my investment, pay the mortgage and keep it going." According to Middlesex Registry of Deeds records, he purchased the building in December 2002.

Current plans are for New England Cafe and Bakery to open from 6 a.m. until noon or 1 p.m., serving coffee and baking products delivered to the store, including Kane's Donuts of Saugus. Chapdelaine said there won't be any cooking or baking done on site.

"Trying to keep it simple—not trying to make a fortune, just keep it open and pay the bills," he said.

The aldermen's Protection and License Committee unanimously recommended the approval of Chapdelaine's license, which will now go before the full Board of Aldermen on June 4 for approval before the cafe can open.

If you've got a question about something in Melrose, send it to danield@patch.com. We'll choose one question each week and get to work on digging up an answer.