SOLON, Ohio — After more than two years without a permanent planning director, Solon has turned a new page with the appointment of Michael Ionna as Director of Planning and Community Development. Ionna stepped into the role on November 25, 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to a position that has seen significant turnover and vacancy since the retirement of longtime director Rob Frankland in 2021. As the city embarks on ambitious projects like the Liberty Ford redevelopment and Solon Connects, Ionna’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for Solon’s future. Here’s a look at the journey of this critical role—from Frankland’s enduring legacy, to Ashley Holloway’s brief tenure, to Ionna’s promising start
Rob Frankland: A 20-Year Legacy
For two decades, Rob Frankland was the steady hand guiding Solon’s planning and development. Hired in 2001, he retired on August 13, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful growth and streamlined processes. During his tenure, Frankland oversaw the evolution of Solon from a more agricultural community to a modern suburban hub, balancing residential charm with commercial expansion. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years,” he said at a City Council meeting in May 2021. “It went by in a flash. I think we’ve accomplished a lot.”
Frankland was lauded for improving the city’s planning process, making it more user-friendly for developers while enforcing the zoning code and master plan. Councilman Bill Russo credited him with transforming a once-cumbersome system: “Over the last 10 years, it’s been improved dramatically.” Frankland also navigated complex issues, like the controversial Kerem Lake winery proposal in 2018, and tackled zoning challenges, such as the ward veto, which he viewed as a political rather than planning decision. His retirement left big shoes to fill, and the city struggled to find a successor who could match his impact.
Ashley Holloway: A Short-Lived Tenure
Enter Ashley Holloway, a Cleveland native who took the helm on August 9, 2021, with high hopes of continuing Frankland’s work. Holloway brought a diverse background, having worked in city planning in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and more recently in compliance in Hagerstown, Maryland. “I just want to make the residents of Solon proud,” he said upon his hiring, eager to return to Northeast Ohio and collaborate with Frankland during a week-long transition.
But Holloway’s tenure was short and turbulent, lasting just 10 months. By June 2022, he was gone, leaving behind conflicting narratives. Mayor Ed Kraus maintained that Holloway resigned, citing a poor fit: “He just decided it was not the right fit.” Holloway, however, claimed he was terminated, hinting at deeper tensions. The city declined to elaborate, citing personnel privacy, but the abrupt exit left Solon’s planning department in limbo. For the next two-and-a-half years, the city relied on consultants like OHM Advisors and Frank Kasimov to fill the gap, a stopgap measure that underscored the urgency for a permanent leader.
Michael Ionna: A New Chapter Begins
Now, Michael Ionna steps into the spotlight, confirmed by City Council on October 21, 2024, and starting just before Thanksgiving. At 42, Ionna brings 17 years of experience in planning, zoning, and development, having served in various roles across southwestern Ohio and Indiana. Most recently a consultant, he’s worked for large agencies and local governments, from townships to cities. “I absolutely love it here,” Ionna said shortly after starting. “The city staff has been wonderful to work with. They’re responsive, and you can tell how much they care.”
Mayor Kraus is optimistic, calling Ionna “a true asset” with “extreme knowledge as a planner.” Ionna’s regional approach—honed through master plan development, public meetings, and collaboration with engineers—aligns with Solon’s needs as it tackles projects like the Aurora Road streetscape and enhanced bike-pedestrian connectivity through Solon Connects. Relocating from Hamilton, Ohio, with his wife Robyn and 9-year-old son Lexington, Ionna sees Solon as a hub of opportunity. “There are a lot of exciting things happening,” he said, pointing to the city’s potential to evolve beyond its car-centric roots into a more connected, sustainable community.
Looking Ahead
Ionna’s arrival ends a period of uncertainty for Solon’s planning department, which has been without a full-time director since Holloway’s departure. His predecessors’ experiences—Frankland’s long success and Holloway’s brief struggle—highlight the challenges and expectations tied to the role. With a supportive staff and a mayor eager for progress, Ionna has a chance to shape Solon’s future, from revitalizing commercial corridors to preserving its residential appeal. As he settles in, all eyes are on how he’ll navigate the city’s unique zoning hurdles and rally the community behind his vision. For now, Solon breathes a sigh of relief: the planning director’s chair is filled, and the work can begin anew
