I live in an urban area too. Heres what I do to open the doors. I parallel park and pull all the way forward almost touching the bumper of the car in front of me. I go and open the doors and fold them back (I have the 255 degree doors) and then I back up a comfortable distance, giving room to the car in front of me. With the doors open and folded in, there is plenty of room to manuver in a tight parking spot.
I think you'll love the transit. I have hauled pretty long pieces of lumber too. I either tuck them between the front seats on the counsol or to the right of the passenger seat.
Works for a few pieces as long as its not plywood. You'll need a roof rack for that.