"There's no escaping it. It's like a form of torture."

That's Amy Anderson's assessment of what used to be her tranquil neighborhood at 155 Lucys Place. The area, located off Quarters Road in the county's midsection, is known for large lots and a slice of rural life in rapidly evolving unincorporated Fayette County.

But Anderson, along with several of her neighbors, told the Fayette County Commission last Thursday, that their peace and quiet has been shattered by a nearby dirt-bike track.

The constant roar of dirt-bikes during all hours of the day led the commission to strengthen its noise ordinance and set the maximum legal sound level at 44 decibels in residential areas.

Commission Chairman Greg Dunn sympathized with the residents who said they have been enduring the noise for more than 18 months.

"I don't know how I didn't know this was going on," Dunn said.

The residents at Lucys Place said a neighbor cleared a large part of land on his acreage and made a dirt track for motorcycle riders to use. On the weekends, sometimes 20 riders converge on the site and race around the track, causing nearby windows to shake and fraying nerves of residents.

"These are not family members riding out there. I'm 1,600 feet away and I can hear it. I bought out there for the serenity," said Abe Winters.

But the problem is just not limited to the Quarters Road area. Margaret Sisson, who lives on Kelly Road, said a track has sprung up near her home.

"We have put our house up for sale. I have to get away from that noise," she said.

County officials have also heard that there's an active track near Antioch Road and Commissioner Peter Pfeifer said it was time for the county to do something.

Residents said the noise level has often exceeded 85 decibels and the amended noise ordinance should help address their concerns, Pfeifer added.