A planned mixed-use building in the heart of downtown Copiague may get an almost 50 percent tax abatement, as the hamlet continues its yearslong revitalization efforts.

The owner of the single-story masonry business at 1800 Great Neck Rd., Darius Mroczkowski, would demolish it to construct a three-story building, housing a Family Dollar on the first floor and 12 apartments on the second and third floors.

Three of the units would be affordable — the minimum required by the town — and the project would employ 15 people during construction, making it eligible for a tax abatement read more ››

Long Islanders descended on downtown business districts looking for deals on Small Business Saturday.

At the Babylon Bean Coffee House, shoppers wrapped around the counter to buy hot drinks and tasty goods, including pies from Audrey’s Baked Goods of Sayville. Seated at a table, Gabriella Guevara and Gabby Blanco, both 19, of Bay Shore, said they came to Babylon for a change of scenery and to patronize a local coffee house.

“I feel like it gives you more of a cozy feel,” Blanco said. "At Starbucks, everyone is on the go. This may be a lot more tight, but it’s more welcoming read more ››