PSEG Long Island has started the process of removing massive utility poles in Eastport.

PSEG says it put up 211 transmission poles in spring 2017 along Eastport-Manor Road to make sure power stayed on during storms. However, the poles were an unwelcome site to many residents in the Eastport and East Moriches area.

"It's a historic district," says Marie Kinneary of Eastport. "The poles are totally out of character with how we want to preserve our town."

As News 12 has reported, the construction of the poles -- some as big as 80 feet -- sparked protests and a lawsuit. The utility agreed to take down the poles last year.

PSEG says, "In an effort to help beautify the downtown Eastport area, overhead transmission lines on Eastport-Manor Road from the south service road of Sunrise Highway to the substation on Montauk Highway will be buried underground."

The utility will remove 31 of the poles. PSEG crews started working on the project in December and say it should be done by May 2020.

PSEG says removing the poles and burying the lines will cost ratepayers $11.8 million.

Some Eastport residents also say they would like some of the poles along Route 51 protected because they are dangerous for drivers. PSEG says those poles were installed according to highway regulations.