WORCESTER, Mass. - A parcel of land off West Boylston St. has been cleared of dense shrubs and the first steps toward developing it are in the works.

The land at 149 West Boylston Dr. is just over four acres in size and sits below an Interstate 190 retaining wall, facing Indian Lake.

It's owned by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, but is leased by the City’s Parks Department.

For years, it's had trash littering the grounds. And has been historically frequented by the homeless and used for recreational drug use.

The land is now cleared, and plans to reinvigorate the property will soon begin.

State Representative John Mahoney -- who was integral in securing funding for the project  -- says the location has great potential for a nice park.

Some neighbors want to see a plan similar to the revitalization of downtown Worcester.

Mahoney said, “There's a lot of places on the lake where people can actually walk to the water's edge. Morgan park, Shore park, and we thought this would be just another great addition to that."

Indian Lake Community Association president Carl Gomes said, “To turn this into a community resource that can benefit not only the neighbors here and in the general neighborhood, but the entire city to be able to access Indian Lake in a more recreational way for paddle boating, sail boating, canoeing."

Mahoney says $75,000 have been allocated for tree removal in the area. 

The City wants to hear from residents and once public input is gathered, a Master Plan for the property will be developed and presented to the Parks Commission.