Long Island's Top 5: Our Most Popular Facebook Stories This Week

From Port Washington and Northport's ranking on a list New York's safest communities to a new Mexican restaurant opening in West Islip, check out the stories Long Island Patch readers were sharing, reading and commenting on for the week of April 3.

Northport Ranked Among Safest Places In New York

Northport is among six Long Island towns that were recently named among the 2017 safest places in New York by National Council for Home Safety and Security. These communities were listed among the Top 50 safest communities in the state. To come up with the listings, the organization reviewed the latest FBI crime statistics, along with its own population and research data.

Heroin Ring Along Route 110: Among Biggest Busts In LI History

Thirty-six people, including a pregnant woman and a volunteer firefighter, were indicted Tuesday for their involvement in one of the largest narcotics takedowns in Long Island history, which officials dubbed “Operation Bundle Up," authorities say. The alleged dealers were named the “110 Crew” by investigators as their heroin-distribution ring ran along Route 110.

Developers Hope To Turn Vacant Building Into Place For Homeless Veterans

Two developers are looking to turn a vacant building in Hempstead into a home for Nassau County's homeless veterans. The plan would be to have emergency housing in the basement for veterans coming off the streets as well as long-term single rooms on the upper floors. The building at 619 Fulton Ave. was once owned by Hofstra University.

New Mexican Restaurant To Open In West Islip

Besito will soon be taking over the former Roots Bistro Gourmand on 399 Montauk Highway. After five years, Roots Bistro Gourmand recently announced that it was closing its doors. This will mark the third Long Island restaurant for Besito, with locations in Roslyn and Huntington. The restaurant also has locations in Massachusetts and Conneticut.

Port Washington Ranked Among Safest Places In New York

Port Washington is among six Long Island towns that were recently named among the 2017 safest places in New York by National Council for Home Safety and Security. Any cities that didn't submit complete crime reports to the FBI were eliminated as well as any cities with populations under 5,000.

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