Oak Hill Business & Professional Association was founded by a group of concerned citizens in the Oak Hill area in 1981. Fran Conrad had a pioneering spirit when she took the "bull by the horns" as the first President of OHBPA. The initial concept for OHBPAA was to bring professionals and the business community together. From small beginnings, the group has grown substantially with membership from businesses (small and large) and individual professional men and women, as well as, representatives from civic, political, and community organizations.
OHBPA was founded at a time when much of Austin was predominantly a "no-growth" philosophy. Because the Oak Hill area was outside the proposed growth corridors for the City of Austin and there has always been strong opposition to any "despolation" of the hill country, no one had been there to speak for Oak Hill. OHBPA, in 1996, continues to speak out on behalf of the business and professional interests of Oak Hill.
OHBPA has fought tough battles with the Austin City Council and those opposing development in the Oak Hill Community. Time and time again, OHBPA has won these battles including the fight to bring Motorola to Oak Hill; the southern extension of MOPAC; annexation with a mandated zoning and services plan; realistic roadway plans to serve Oak Hill's transportation needs; reasonable business zoning; the defeat of a hot mix asphalt plant on Highway 290; and, more jobs in Oak Hill.
In addition, with strong support from the Oak Hill Volunteer Fire Department, we have fought for adequate Fire and EMS protection as part of Austin's annexation of Oak Hill. Many times OHBPA too the fight to City Hall and won. Oak Hill presently has an Austin Fire Station on McCarty and another to be built near Highway 71 and Fletcher Lane.
OHBPA has worked diligently to focus attention on the issues and interests of Oak Hill and has been the principal voice to ensure that Oak Hill maintains its unique identity within the Austin area. OHBPA is devoted to providing up-to-date information to its membership on the most pressing issues that affect businesses and professionals; whether it be tax laws, city zoning ordinances, property values, AISD School Board forums, Austin City Council, or County and State offices, OHBPA is here today and in the future for the Oak Hill Community.
OHBPA is currently representing its membership on the Highway 290 West expansion, Barton Springs - Edwards Aquifer Debate, Dick Nichols Park, Oak Hill Branch Library, Austin Community College expansion and the building of the new fire station near Highway 71 and Fletcher Road.
Together, we have accomplished a great deal and together, our future looks bright. We all have the same goal... to make Oak Hill a better place in which to live and do business.
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