A contractor completed clearing part of a city-owned parcel on Pilottown Road in Lewes during the week of July 27.

Janet Reeves, assistant city manager, said the contract included cleaning up vines and underbrush, and pruning trees hanging over the road.

She said it did not include clearing the overgrowth down to the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Reeves said the cost was about $9,600.

The city has not maintained the half-acre parcel. Dick Bryan, whose family owns the property at 338 Pilottown Road, directly across from the parcel, has been trying to get the city to cut down the growth so they can have a view of the canal.

Bryan also claims the city agreed to give him a 99-year lease on the parcel before his family bought the Pilottown house.

Four other property owners have 99-year leases with the city for canalfront parcels that are attached to the homes across the street.

But mayor and city council have twice voted to keep the land as open space. Mayor Amy Marasco has said it will not be leased.

She said the land could become a pocket park. Council has not discussed any details for such a use.

Some neighbors are opposed to a park in that location, citing parking and traffic concerns.