Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today applauded a decision by General Services Administration  (GSA) to limit the search for expanded office space for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection to the city of Middleburg Heights. 

“Suburban sprawl damages both our communities and our environment.  Government should work to protect our communities, not to exacerbate sprawl.  I thank the GSA for maintaining their commitment to the city of Middleburg Heights,” said Kucinich.

Middleburg Heights is home to DHS Customs and Border Protection and its approximately 100 member workforce. An April 1 announcement indicated that the GSA was seeking leasing options for an expanded space.  Middleburg Heights Mayor Gary Starr’s concern that the GSA may look for real estate outside the city prompted Kucinich to contact the GSA.  

On April 14, Kucinich discussed the issue with GSA Administrator Martha Johnson.  He handed her a letter asking that she “give full consideration to the Middleburg Heights proposal in order to ensure that Middleburg Heights is not harmed by expansion efforts by the federal government.”  Kucinich also suggested in the letter that “GSA limit the search boundaries to the borders of Middleburg Heights to further ensure no harm to that community.”

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