Sandblasting to remove asbestos-laden paint on the exterior of the Darigold Building in downtown Astoria has been suspended due to complaints about excessive noise, and the contractor is pursuing other removal methods.

The paint removal began Tuesday and was scheduled to last approximately two weeks. On Thursday, the city of Astoria contacted Clatsop County, the building owner, to inform it of complaints from nearby business owners and residents about the project noise. In response, the county has voluntarily ended the sandblasting and directed the project contractor, Rose City Contracting, to evaluate alternative methods for removing the paint.

Clatsop County contracted with Rose City Contracting to remove asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials from the site prior to its planned demolition. In February, the county sold the property to Coastal Family Health Center, which plans to build a multi-story complex housing a medical clinic and offices for local social service providers.

Demolition was tentatively planned to begin in late August and the site cleared by October. The property will be used for parking until Coastal Family Health begins construction on its project.