It seemed like a noble idea to offer quick help during the pandemic: New York City would give away free air-conditioners this summer to low-income older people who are stuck indoors. Mayor Bill de Blasio had said that his administration would install 74,000 air-conditioners by the end of July. But workers had installed about 55,800 units by mid-August — about three-fourths of the city’s goal. One center gave up waiting and bought dozens of air-conditioners on its own. The difficulty in getting a free air-conditioner left many seniors frustrated and confused by what they described as a bureaucratic, inefficient process.

Source: New York Times August 21, 2020 16:52 UTC