A garden space, plaza, covered area and seating are some ideas for what should sit atop Astoria's downtown pit. (First Forty Feet/guide)The City of Astoria received $2 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean, fill and cap the contaminated Heritage Square pit, along Duane Street, in October 2025. The cleanup and filling phase will be completed in 2028, according to public works officials. “Any additional sampling will be limited to filling data gaps, if needed, and confirming that the completed cleanup meets regulatory standards,” Hammond said. Adding that the urban renewal district fund may come into play, and also fundraising from the private organization Friends of Heritage Square.