Debate continues over a plan to lease Harrisburg city-run parking garages. Opponents of the plan have been very passionate and vocal, but we haven't heard too much from citizens behind the idea. But there are such people and they have unified in support of the proposal.

Harrisburg business woman Jackie Goodwin is joining other business owners and residents in urging Harrisburg City Council to approve the plan. The plan unveiled by Mayor Stephen Reed two months ago would lease the garages for 75 years at a cost of $215 million.

Goodwin is part of a group that calls itself "Debt Free Harrisburg." Organizers say they have circulated petitions in support of the idea and have collected around 800 names. They plan to give the petition to City Council.

The mayor said the plan would create tax rebates and lower taxes across the city. It would also enable the city to hire 15 more police officers and six new public works employees.

Union workers of the parking authority have been against the plan amid concern they will lose their jobs. There have also been concerns that parking rates will go up in the affected parking facilities.

Jackie Goodwin says she thinks Council will make the right decision. The latest public hearing on the issue will be Thursday night at the Camp Curtin YMCA.

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