MIDDLETOWN - Master chef George Karousos said he never dreamed the Blue Plate Diner would be such a success.

But with that success has come the unexpected problem of not having enough parking to serve all the customers of his new restaurant on West Main Road. The situation has prompted some patrons to park in the lot next to the Middletown Public Library and walk across the busy four-lane road.

Karousos said he is aware of the problem and is addressing it by installing new signs and having employees carpool, along with considering a plan for valet parking and other alternatives.

With all the concerns about pedestrian safety along West Main Road in recent years, town officials said Wednesday they'd like to see something done so Blue Plate customers don't need to dart across the street to the diner.

"We're aware of the situation and we're trying the best we can to see how we can fix it," said Karousos, owner of the Blue Plate, which opened about two weeks ago.

"We came here to try to establish something good, to bring back the memories of the 1950s diner, and so far, it's been a success. But, we did not come here to create a problem and we want to fix that."

Since the site was first developed in 1970, the half-acre lot at 636 West Main Road has been home to several businesses, including the No. 1 Chinese Buffet.

Under town regulations, restaurants are required to have one parking spot for every three people included in the building's capacity. According to Jack Kane, the town's alternate building official, the Blue Plate Diner has a posted seating capacity of 178, meaning it would need to have 59 parking spots, if the building was new.

But, because the restaurant is "grandfathered" under the regulations, Town Administrator Gerald S. Kempen said there's nothing the town can do about the fact the Blue Plate has three fewer parking spots - 56 - than would otherwise be required.

Exacerbating the situation are the remaining snow piles from the recent blizzard and the novelty of the new business, said Kempen, adding that he expects things to calm down in the coming weeks.

Still, given the safety concerns, Kempen said he asked the Police Department on Monday to look at the situation and come up with recommendations. Middletown Police Capt. David Leonard said the department will offer some suggestions "as quickly as possible."

In 2003, two local residents - 39-year-old Carmen L. McDougall and 16-year-old Shantel Bailey - were struck and killed in separate accidents while crossing West Main Road. State and town officials have tried since to emphasize safety along the three-plus mile roadway and other major roads in town by cracking down on speeding, working on new sidewalks and other measures.

"I haven't seen people crossing there, but I've driven by at night and you can see how packed the parking lot is and across the street as well," Kempen said.

"It's a tough situation because it's located in the middle of the block and the DOT (state Department of Transportation) has made it clear they don't want crosswalks in areas where there aren't signals. We're working on it and I'm sure when we talk with the owner, he'll be understanding."

Library patrons, those using the adjacent softball fields or participating in the town's summer program typically have used the lot north of the town's West Main Road recreational complex.

Over the past couple of weeks, Library Director Robert L. Balliot said he's seen a sharp rise in the number of cars and trucks parked in the lot, as many as 50 more than a typical day. And while he said he's glad the Blue Plate is open and doing so well, he's concerned about the parking situation.

Because the town is leasing the library property from the Navy, Balliot said it can not be used for commercial purposes.

At some point, if the problems are not corrected, Balliot said he expects signs would be posted reserving the parking lot for town-related uses only.

"I'm hearing a lot about people darting across the road, especially at night, and how dangerous it is," Balliot said. "It's not acceptable for anyone to have to cross a four-lane highway to get there. It's not worth that to get a meal."

Council President Paul M. Rodrigues agreed. "I think you're flirting with disaster by having people park at the library and crossing West Main Road, especially at night at a place that serves liquor," Rodrigues said.

"To me, safety is our No. 1 priority and it creates a very unsafe situation, especially given what's happened out there (on West Main Road)."

As an area resident with several restaurants on Aquidneck Island and in southern Massachusetts, Karousos said he understands the town's concerns and is not taking them lightly.

"Everyone here wants what's best for Middletown and we've already talked with the town, the Police Department, Fire Department and other people in the area," he said.

"We're trying to come up with a solution and if anyone has an idea, we welcome it."

Section: News
Record Number: 10C974EDE0E56A23
Copyright 2005 The Newport Daily News. All rights reserved

MIDDLETOWN - The Blue Plate Diner is open for business.

The site of the former No. 1 Chinese Buffet at 636 West Main Road was gutted, with all new amenities installed as part of the renovation.

The 1950s-style diner features an open kitchen and lunch counter, booths and a jukebox, mixed in with modern amenities such as plasma televisions, wireless Internet access and express pick-up service.

The restaurant accommodates 150 people and has a private dining area for 45. The cost of breakfast entrees is between $1.25 and $9.95, with lunch and dinner entrees between $4.25 and $14.95.

"We are grateful to all of the patrons who have come in since the Blue Plate Diner opened," owner George Karousos said. "After six previous restaurants, I know it takes some time to train a staff and make all of the processes work efficiently, but I am very thankful for the early support and patience.

"Although there have been some bumps, we will continue to improve all around and I look forward to serving the public for a long time."

Section: Business
Record Number: 10C974ED5A8BDB2F
Copyright 2005 The Newport Daily News. All rights reserved