Courtyards are largest where alleyways would be least needed, on residential blocks. For most blocks where unloading is a problem, courtyards are narrow, uneve

Courtyards are largest where alleyways would be least needed, on residential blocks. For most blocks where unloading is a problem, courtyards are narrow, uneven spaces that frequently do not run the length of the 'interior' block. The city would also have to justify reclaiming two lots per block—on either end of the courtyard/alleyway—in a city which already has a housing shortage.