The city of Lawrence should work with downtown business owners now to establish policies for closing Massachusetts Street when the University of Kansas makes the Final Four in the future.

The city announced on Tuesday, March 27, that for safety reasons, it would close Mass. from Sixth to 11th streets in advance of Saturday night’s KU vs. Villanova game in the Final Four. The city placed barricades at intersections with Massachusetts Street and closed the street to traffic and parking beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday. All other public parking downtown — close to 3,000 spaces — was free, and stores were allowed to set up sidewalk sales without a permit.

Initial feedback from the closure was a mixed bag. Sally Zogry, executive director of Downtown Lawrence Inc., gave the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere positive reviews, but she said sales results for downtown retailers were varied. Downtown Lawrence will send out an economic impact survey to get feedback.

Saturday’s street closure did accomplish the safety objective. There were no major incidents downtown, though KU’s loss in the game helped put a damper on festivities.

Chuck Magerl, owner of Wheatfields Bakery and Free State Brewing Co., said sales increased at Wheatfields but were down at Free State. He said he understood the city’s position.

“I don’t second-guess the police department’s motivation or decision to go into this with the level of severity that they did, because the downside, putting Lawrence on the map for all the wrong reasons, is not something that any of us would like to see,” Magerl said.

At Arizona Trading Co., 736 Massachusetts St., owner Jennifer McKnight said her store had a 45 percent drop in sales compared with the Saturday before Easter last year. Although she understands the safety element, McKnight said she thinks the length and degree of the closure were drastic, and it may have even intimidated some customers.

Zogry agreed, saying closing the street later in the day and making the announcement sooner, so that businesses have more time to put together marketing and promotions, would be beneficial.

It does seem reasonable for the city to work with downtown retailers to settle on a time to close Mass. later in the day on Final Four weekend. Once a time is settled upon, the city and businesses could communicate the information to fans well in advance of the game, making for a better experience and less confusion for all involved.