Vice President Kamala Harris Promotes Biden's Infrastructure Plan In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Vice President Kamala Harris was in the Bronx Friday touting the Biden Administration's massive infrastructure bill.
CBS2's Nick Caloway went to the Edenwald section to see what people there think about the vice president's visit.
As Harris left the brand new Northeast Bronx YMCA, she also left quite an impression on a group of young girls from the nearby One World Middle School at Edenwald.
"It felt amazing. She waved at us," Naiomi said.
The vice president was in the Bronx for just a few hours, highlighting the Build Back Better infrastructure plan, and how she said it would benefit working families. So far, the multi-trillion dollar plan is stalled in Congress.
"So I'm here today to ask people to see this moment for what it is and to step up. We can do this. It is the right thing to do," Harris said.
Her speech was interrupted by a man yelling about how people died in basements in Queens during flooding from Hurricane Ida.
"It could have been prevented if we had the right infrastructure," the man yealled.
"You are right. brother," Harries replied.
"I am right," he said.
"I know you are," Harris said.
The protestor was escorted out.
Outside, Caloway talked with longtime residents of the area who were happy to see the first female, first black and first Asian-American vice president visit the Bronx. But many feel the infrastructure could be better spent on public safety, or education.
"High crime, with the shooting and guns and robberies in the area. That's our biggest concerns," said Sandra Gross of the Baychester Houses tenants association.
"We're building up bridges and stuff like that. We need to build up the bridges of the community. Start with building a better foundation in the community to get these kids off the street," said community advocate Romeo Davis.
Police aside, for one group of girls, it was the thrill of a lifetime to get a glimpse of a history-making vice president.
"Because, like, we can look up to her, that's something we can do when we're older," eighth grader Kassidie said.
That impact could very well outlast any bridges or roads.
Nick Caloway contributed to this report.
