Bicycle Mechanics - Removing C/S Bridge - Kickstand mount??

I have an early 80's Schwinn world sport. It is definitely steel of some kind. I really want to cut off the hideous kickstand mount that I will never use. Is this piece structural in any way? If I were to remove it, the chain stays would run all the way from the bottom bracket to the dropouts without any sort of cross-member support. Is that okay/safe?
Thanks

I think I might just do it - Unless someone tells me it's a horrible idea in the next 10 minutes....

I'll spare you the long story of a chainstay bridge issue I had awhile back and just say I wouldn't remove the bridge. I think I know the type of bridge you're talking about on your old Schwinn, it's actually a plate instead of a tube, and is there a triangular shape hanging from the plate with a hole in it (for fender mounting)?.............Bottom line, the bike would probably be fine without the plate (bridge), but there's no way that plate doesn't add some rigidity to the chainstays-

Yes, you have described it well. It sounds like you may have removed such a plate in the past... Could you please tell me your experiences if that is the case?30833

I've had a few Schwinns, but actually the chainstay bridge problem I mentioned was on a Centurion and was more of a cosmetic issue on that bike. But as for your Schwinn, good grief, look at that big ol' plate! :D Seriously, think of it as a good thing; as I said it's bound to stiffen up the chainstays some. It's handy if you ever add fenders, and if you cut it off, what have you done, maybe saved a couple of ounces? I'll admit I've never liked kickstands all the way back to childhood, but that plate's not hurting a thing- :)