During a November 2024 meeting, Conroe City Council agreed to close Westside Recreation Center by Dec. 31 2024, citing building concerns and the center’s location within a floodway, as previously reported.
What you need to know
During discussion, Nancy Mikeska, deputy city administrator and director of community development, said the city has completed environmental work and Federal Emergency Management Agency permitting and received six bids for the project, selecting the lowest. She believes the work can be completed for the bid amount and that the cost will be covered in the community development department’s budget.
According to the agenda item, the cost is slated at $88,227 and has a completion date of 40 days.
Mikeska cited a string of issues at the facility, including a fire, break-ins and ongoing deterioration. The building has been nonoperational for months with utilities cut off, and she described severe mold inside. She also emphasized the center is located in a floodway and said prior spending on the building “should not have been spent” because proper permitting and floodway requirements were not followed.
Council members questioned what options had been explored before moving to demolition, and Mikeska said no feasibility study was pursued, adding that the facility was not considered a viable reuse, particularly given the cost to bring it back and concerns about placing programs, especially children’s activities, in a floodway.
What they’re saying
The agenda wording itself also drew scrutiny. Resident John Sellars asked whether describing the item as “obsolete city infrastructure and facility” provided adequate notice under the Texas Open Meetings Act. The city attorney said the notice was sufficient, given multiple speakers had come prepared to address the topic.
Several residents also urged council to delay demolition and take a closer look at alternatives.
Resident Sandra Burke told council to halt demolition until an independent valuation, a licensed structural engineer assessment, a FEMA compliance review and citizen oversight are completed.
Resident Rob Hamilton criticized the use of the word “obsolete,” told council he believed the building still had value and said residents deserved a clearer process and more opportunity for input before a final decision.
Council ultimately approved the item 4-1, with council member Howard Wood voting against.
