Letter -- How Will the District Handle the Inauguration Crowds?

There are estimates that crowds in Washington for the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 could be as large as 4 million or even 5 million. This would be the biggest event ever held in Washington. Judging by the city's experiences with the annual Independence Day fireworks, the Million Man March and other large events, and despite the best efforts of city planners and the police, I think we know that Washington is not well prepared to manage a crowd of this size.

Metro will be overwhelmed; some streets are sure to be closed; vendors are not prepared for these numbers; even portable toilets are likely to be in short supply. And what if temperatures are below freezing? What about access to emergency services? Crime is also certain to be an issue.

It seems that some advance publicity and information for those who think they want to come to the city (about such options as camping in West Virginia, on the Eastern Shore or even in Pennsylvania) would be useful.

With gridlocked traffic and the possibility of food shortages and people standing in lines for hours to board Metro trains, not to mention scalpers and petty crime, the event may not provide the thrilling experience that visitors hope to have, and it may not present the District in the positive way in which it would like to show itself. Then there's the target that this gathering presents for potential terrorists. This has to be a nightmare for the Department of Homeland Security.

SUSAN G. LARSON

Ellicott City