A proposed major overhaul to Soundview Avenue in Clason Point has irked some longtime residents who say they don't need the pedestrian safety improvements.

The Department of Transportation wants to add sidewalks and crosswalks between LaFayette and Cornell avenues.

The overhaul would also convert Puglsey and Cornell avenues into one-way streets.

"We don't want sidewalks," says Gus Dinolis, a Clason Point resident for 30 years. "I never wanted to live in a concrete village."

Others local residents like Cecile Monteavaro say it's a good idea to make the improvements, which also include a pedestrian refuge across Pugsley and Soundview avenues.

"I can look and see there's a necessity for a larger area for people to sit and wait," he says. 

The DOT says work will begin on Monday, despite the opposition.

"I live here," says Raj Chowdhrey. "It's not dangerous."

Like Chowdhrey, Dinolis says things are fine as they are.

"I like my rustic neighborhood," Dinolis says. "I like to cut my grass on Saturday. The ones who want sidewalks around here are the renters."