A portion of Playland Parkway will be dedicated on Friday to former Rye Mayor John Carey and renamed “John Carey Place”. Carey passed away in October 2019 at the age of 95 after a long, distinguished career in public service, and John Carey Place has been permanently named in his honor.
Rye resident and Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced the news ahead of the formal ceremony on Friday morning. “John Carey held a long and distinguished career in public service – a Judge, Mayor, City Councilman and activist for so many important causes, a true public servant in every sense of the word,” said Latimer.
“He was a man of many accomplishments, and he shared his life, his talents and his spirit with everyone he touched. It is fitting that this portion of County property adjacent to Playland be named in his honor, so future generations of residents will remember his lasting contributions to the City he loved so much.”
Other Rye Mayors Praise Carey
A survey of all living Rye mayors finds universal praise for Carey and his service to the City:
- Former Mayor Ted Dunn (1994-1997): “John was the neighbor whose forsythia and dogwoods always bloomed before those of anyone else. I think his life-long aim was to help others, as a diplomat, a lawyer, a judge and our Mayor. I think he succeeded.”
- Former Mayor and current State Assemblyman Steve Otis (mayor 1998 – 2009): “John Carey was an outstanding public official whose record included being the first Democrat elected as Mayor of the City of Rye, service as a thoughtful judge, and his work with the United Nations. It is fitting that his dedication and commitment is honored by Westchester County’s naming of this street as John Carey Place.”
- Former Mayor Doug French (2010-2013): “For me, John was a great sounding board. Mayors face many challenges and only a few of us have been in the role so it was great to get his perspective. The issues in Rye have not changed much over the decades — flooding, parking, downtown, quality of life, taxes and services. But John provided great historical context on the issues and the solutions. He loved this community more than most and gave his time to public service in many roles that had an impact. That’s a great legacy.”
- Former Mayor Joe Sack (2014 – 2017): “Judge Carey was an iconic figure in the history of Rye.”
- Current Mayor Josh Cohn (2018 – present): “When I met Carey after becoming mayor, he was quite frail, but also cordial and eager to be helpful. I know he provided advice and was available to my mayoral predecessors, and that was very kind of him.”
Carey’s Life of Service
Carey was a veteran of World War II, served as Mayor of the City of Rye as well as City Councilman, was a gifted attorney and legal scholar of international human rights law, a Westchester County Judge and Acting Supreme Court Judge. He was appointed to the United Nations Subcommission on the Prevention of Discrimination and the Protection of Minorities, where he served for nearly 25 years.
Carey is well known for being a strong coalition builder, and for his acquisition of Rye Golf Club and a public beach next to Playland Amusement Park.
John Carey Place Location
The section of the Playland Parkway that is now John Carey Place extends from Rye Beach Avenue, and runs along the beach and pool parking lot north to the intersection at the upper circle of Playland Park in Rye. The ceremony, this Friday at 12 noon, is expected to be attended by local dignitaries and members of the Carey family.
