Porterdale Police Chief Geoff Jacobs is doing his best to reach out to the community, and one of the most positive steps we've seen to date is the establishment of a city landlord's association.

The police department is establishing a direct line of communication to the city's absentee landlords, a particularly important step in a city that's been plagued by neglected properties.

Porterdale officials are taking steps to turn their city into a respected town with a vibrant downtown and connected community, and we commend Chief Jacobs and his officers for attacking of the town's biggest hurdles.