Dan Cary’s passing

State and Treasure Coast planning legend Dan Cary passed away March 6th at the age of 64 after a long fight against leukemia.  He was the Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council from 1985 – 1994, during which time Treasure Coast became a leader in the implementation and promotion of New Urbanism and Smart Growth development approaches.  

From 1995 – 1999, he served as the Director of the Planning Department of the South Florida Water Management District and helped manage the development of the Everglades Restoration Plan, oversaw regional water supply plans, a wide variety of environmental water resource protection and restoration efforts, and pioneered planning partnerships with local governments, such as the joint development of the Palm Beach County Ag Reserve Master Plan.  

From 1999 – 2003, he served as the West Palm Beach Director of Planning and led the effort of implementing the City’s Downtown Revitalization Master Plan. In 2005, he received the Seaside Award for his early efforts in promoting New Urbanism and traditional town planning, and became a Fellow of The Seaside Institute. 

Memorial services will be held this Saturday, March 15th, at the First Baptist Church of Stuart located on 201 SW Ocean Boulevard in downtown Stuart.  Visitation begins at 2pm.   The Church Service starts at 3pm, with burial following the church service.  Following burial, a reception will be held at the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council offices, 421 SW Camden Avenue, Stuart, Florida (on street parking available around the block, Kiwanis parking lot two blocks east of the building). 

Bonnie C. Landry, AICP, CNU-A
Senior Planner
Martin County MPO