Conroe Council grapples with youth clinic by park

CONROE — The Conroe City Council is weighing its legal options regarding the operation of a youth outreach center located adjacent to Heritage Place Park, citing concerns over the facility’s programming and its proximity to a city-owned public space.

At the center of the dispute is The Canopy, a program operated by Montgomery County Youth Services (MCYS) located at 100 West Semands Street. The building is situated on the edge of Heritage Place Park, a focal point for family-oriented events and local recreation in downtown Conroe.

The facility’s history dates back to 2011, when the city transferred ownership of the property to the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD) for $1. The agreement was structured under the condition that the building be utilized for public health services. Subsequently, the MCHD has leased the facility to MCYS for a nominal fee of $1 per year.

The current friction began when council members discovered that The Canopy identifies itself on its website as an "LGBTQ+ affirming space." During recent council sessions, city leaders expressed that they were unaware of the specific nature of the services offered at the site and characterized the programming as a deviation from what they understood to be the original intent of the facility.

Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux, who has been a vocal critic of the facility’s current operations, stated during a recent meeting that the proximity of the center to a park where children play is a point of significant contention. "It bothers me tremendously that we have this right next to our children’s park," Maddux said, signaling an intent to explore avenues to limit or stop the center's activities at that location.

Councilman Harry Hardman characterized the situation as "mission creep," expressing specific apprehensions regarding the potential for discussions involving gender identity and sexual orientation. Councilwoman Marsha Porter added that while she supports the general provision of youth services, she holds reservations regarding the specific conversations taking place inside the clinic.

Representatives from both the MCHD and MCYS have defended the center’s mission. Randy Johnson, CEO of the MCHD, stated that providing support for mental health services is a core component of the district’s public health mandate.

Lisa Curry, CEO of MCYS, sought to clarify the term "LGBTQ+ affirming" during public comments, noting that it is intended to signal a safe, inclusive environment for all youth, rather than a clinical focus on gender transition. "We do not do gender-affirming care and we do not do hormones," Curry said, emphasizing that the center’s primary focus remains on crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention for adolescents aged 12 to 21.

Despite these clarifications, the City Council has directed its legal team to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2011 deed restrictions associated with the property. The council is investigating whether the current use of the building violates the original terms of the transfer, which could potentially trigger a reversion clause or lead to an attempt by the city to reacquire the property.

The situation remains fluid. As of this week, no formal legal action has been filed, but city leadership has indicated that the issue will remain a priority in upcoming sessions. The Canopy continues to operate its scheduled services as the legal review proceeds.

For further information regarding the mission of MCYS and current programming at The Canopy, residents can visit the organization's official website at mcyshouston.org. Information regarding City Council agendas and public meeting minutes can be found on the City of Conroe’s municipal portal.