Spread Love, It’s the Newark Way

By Carla Murphy Feb 13, 2015

This Valentine’s Day and for couples only, Newark plans to sell 100 city-owned lots for–get this–$1,000 each. It’s called a "Valentine’s Day Land Sale." From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. this coming Saturday, the predominantly African-American city will sell lots on a first-come, first-served basis out of its city hall. There are a few rules, but none too stressful for presumably committed couples. And get this: Couples don’t have to be Newark or New Jersey residents to get in on the deal. 

The V-Day Land Sale is the brainchild of Baye Adofo-Wilson, the city’s deputy mayor for economic development. He tells The Wall Street Journal, "For young families trying to find a place to put down roots, we want to give this place as an option. We want them to know Newark is welcoming."

It’s also not a bad way to turn abandoned eyesores into a new tax base for the city, either.

For rules and lot locations, visit Mayor Ras Baraka’s Web site.