Some people living in west Saint John want something done about the noise coming from a motocross track located off Ocean Westway, but the owner says he isn't going to stop dirt bikes riding on his property.

Al Williams started building his track this spring on two hectares he owns behind his business.

Residents of Monte Cristo Park and others living in the area are holding a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss the noise problem.

Tim Peterson and his family have lived in the area for five years, and he says the constant whine of dirt bikes has him considering moving.

"It's irritating for me to the point that I would be considering doing that," Peterson said. "We don't want to go. We bought our house in that neighbourhood because it was a quiet, very kid-friendly neighbourhood."

Peterson said he and his family had never regretted settling in the area until now.

Williams says he built the motocross track on his property so riders wouldn't have to travel to Moncton, where the nearest track was located. He said he plans to it turn it into a commercial operation.

He says he's willing to work with his neighbours on the noise issue, but he won't stop riding.

"These people have definite concerns on their side, we're not trying to punch them in the nose with it or abuse them with it," Williams said. "I'm not breaking any law, there's six lanes of highway between us and them."

Williams says if the track goes commercial he would consider installing some sound baffles to control the noise.

Peterson says he and his fellow residents are going to look at all options, including legal action.
 
Police and city officials are looking into the noise complaints, and Peterson says he hopes to have more information by Tuesday night's meeting.