ChosewoodParkCDC@gmail.com
About Chosewood Park CDC
At Chosewood Park CDC, a Community Development Corporation, our mission is to revitalize the Chosewood Park neighborhood by fostering sustainable growth, promoting community engagement, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. We work to preserve the historic character of our neighborhood while introducing thoughtful, innovative development that aligns with the needs of our diverse community.
Chosewood Park CDC is a nonprofit organization based in Southeast Atlanta, focused on community-led revitalization and local empowerment. We collaborate with residents, city officials, and partner organizations to bring about transformative projects that reflect the shared vision for our neighborhood’s future.
Since our founding, we have been committed to addressing the needs of our community by leveraging local resources, securing funding through local and state grants, and creating spaces where residents can thrive. Our projects span from legacy resident housing initiatives to community engagement events, supporting the efforts of our Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU-Y) and Chosewood Park Neighborhood Association (CNPA), tree conservation, and green space development.
“We’re all about using our skills to make a difference beyond the digital realm.”
– Caesar Blue
Chosewood Park CDC was born out of the desire to protect and preserve the unique charm of the Chosewood Park neighborhood while embracing opportunities for growth.
1980s: A Community in Need
Chosewood Park struggled during the 1980s with neglected infrastructure, vacant homes, and streets without proper sidewalks. Limited funding left many homes, identified for demolition through the City of Atlanta’s In Rem program, standing in disrepair. Meanwhile, discriminatory lending practices, exposed by the 1988 Atlanta Journal-Constitution“Color of Money” series, denied loans to communities on the Southside of Atlanta, contributing to neighborhood decline.
This marked a turning point as Atlanta banks began investing in these underserved areas, and Community Development Corporations (CDCs) were formed to direct funds into neighborhood revitalization efforts.
1996–1998: Founding Chosewood Park CDC
Inspired by successful models like the Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), local resident Paul McMurray initiated the formation of the Chosewood Park CDC. By 1998, the nonprofit was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3). However, unlike other CDCs, it faced difficulties securing partnerships and early funding, limiting its ability to launch large-scale projects.
2000s: Market Shifts and Challenges
From 1998 to 2012, Chosewood Park CDC remained active but underfunded. Market changes slowly reshaped the neighborhood, with new homes initially built for ownership. However, many shifted toward rentals, contributing to the instability that accompanied the housing crisis. Several large projects, including multi-family developments on McDonough Boulevard and McDonald Drive, were proposed but faced delays or only partial completion.
2010–2016: Stabilization and Planning
Under the leadership of John Moores, the CDC regained stability. Moores reestablished its IRS compliance, created a new community development plan, and secured grants from the Lakewood Amphitheater Community Finance Committee and the Love Your Block program. During his tenure, the CDC began laying the foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring financial transparency and community engagement.
2016–Present: A New Chapter
After Moores’ departure, the CDC board was reconstituted with new leadership. Under the current Executive Board, and in collaboration with community members and local leaders, we developed the 2021 Community Development Plan and the BeltLine Overlay Master Plan with the City of Atlanta. These efforts have laid the groundwork for future projects that are transforming our neighborhood into a thriving, connected, and inclusive space.
Today, Chosewood Park CDC is focused on community-driven development, supporting affordable housing, expanding green spaces, and fostering sustainable growth. With renewed leadership and a forward-looking vision, the CDC is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood for future generations.
We take a holistic approach to community development, ensuring that all voices are heard and that our projects align with the needs and desires of Chosewood Park residents. From urban revitalization projects to sustainability initiatives, we focus on creating lasting impacts that foster both economic development and environmental stewardship.
We believe in the power of community collaboration, and our work reflects a collective effort to build a neighborhood where all residents feel a sense of belonging and pride
Chosewood Park CDC Inc. is led by a dedicated Executive Board, Board Members, and community volunteers who are passionate about shaping the future of our neighborhood. While our volunteer-led organization does not have full-time paid staff, our team brings expertise as business owners and operators located within the City of Atlanta, in urban planning, design, construction management, and nonprofit leadership, ensuring that we have the resources and knowledge needed to guide Chosewood Park’s growth.
Meet The Executive Board
Leadership. Dedication. Commitment. Civic Duty.
Paul McMurrayFounder & Co-Chair
Paul McMurray, a devoted Chosewood Park resident for over 40 years, blends his deep community roots with a distinguished career at the CDC in Atlanta, where he leverages his expertise in Decision Science, Statistics, and Computer Science. As a driving force behind the Chosewood Park Community Development Corporation (CP-CDC), Paul is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth that reflects the needs and aspirations of residents.
Passionate about housing equity, Paul is vocal about expanding access to for-sale homes and actively challenges the systemic redlining that continues to affect South Atlanta. His advocacy ensures that development not only honors the area’s history but also creates a future where opportunity is accessible to all.
Under his leadership, the CP-CDC champions projects that cultivate a vibrant, connected community—one that thrives today and lays the foundation for future generations.
Caesar BlueCo-Chair
Caesar Blue brings a wealth of passion and leadership to Chosewood Park CDC, driving transformative change in the heart of Atlanta. He he has devoted over a decade to serving his community—not only through his work with Chosewood Park CDC but also by volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Clark Howard, and mentoring young men through Year Up Atlanta. His efforts reflect a deep belief in community-driven progress, where every action contributes to a more inclusive and resilient future.
With a collaborative spirit at the heart of his work, Caesar connects stakeholders, facilitates open dialogue, and champions projects that enhance local livability. His leadership ensures that the voices of Chosewood Park residents are heard and valued, aligning perfectly with the CDC’s mission of fostering sustainable growth and vibrant neighborhoods. Together with the community, he is paving the way for a thriving and inclusive future.
Matthew AbernethyExecutive Director
Matt Abernathy, President of The Abernethy Law Firm, P.C., has been actively contributing to the Chosewood Park community long before his election to the Executive Board in 2016. With a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law, Matt focused on tax and transactional law, laying the foundation for his passion for supporting others through his work with the GSU College of Law’s Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.
As the CP-CDC’s Executive Director, Matt provides essential oversight by developing strategies and solutions for complex issues that arise. Known for his diligence and sharp attention to detail, he ensures that every decision is guided by careful analysis and a deep commitment to the well-being of Chosewood Park as he safeguarding CP-CDC’s 501(c)(3) status. His dedication to both law and community shines through in every effort to help neighbors thrive and grow together.
Nichole WeiswasserExecutive Secretary
Nichole Weiswasser serves as the Executive Secretary and Project Manager for CP-CDC’s current Projects, bringing extensive experience in construction management, nonprofit leadership, and project oversight. As the COO of MayDay Axel Productions, and CEO of Magnuson Management Corporation, Nichole has spent the past decade managing construction builds, subcontractor procurement, permitting, and financial accounting. Her expertise spans every phase of the project lifecycle, working closely with architects, engineers, and contractors.
Nichole’s commitment to community shines through her volunteer work with Hands on Atlanta, Susan G. Komen, Trees Atlanta, City of Atlanta, and Atlanta Pride. At CP-CDC, she has overseen the application and financial management of multiple grants, ensuring transparency and smooth operations. With her leadership and project management skills, Nichole plays a key role in advancing Chosewood Park’s initiatives and fostering sustainable development.
Christina SanchezTreasurer
Christina Sanchez, a long-standing member of both the CP-CDC and the Chosewood Park Neighborhood Association (CNPA), serves as the organization’s Treasurer. A proud generational resident, Christina’s deep roots in the community stem from her family’s decades-long presence in the neighborhood. She is a passionate voting advocate, Spending countless volunteer hours dedicated to improving voter turnout in her community, and a trusted voice for the Latino community, ensuring neighboring residents concerns and perspectives are represented.
In addition to managing CP-CDC’s finances and overseeing past grant reconciliations, Christina plays a crucial role in keeping the community informed about key city and local initiatives, with a strong focus on education and public safety. She leads efforts to inspire civic engagement among the neighborhood’s youth, fostering a sense of responsibility and involvement. Christina’s dedication to building community connections ensures that Chosewood Park remains vibrant, well-informed, and actively engaged in shaping its future.
Simon ReynoldsBoard Member
Peyton HarmBoard Member
Peyton Harm, Vice President of Construction at Quinn Residences, joins the CP-CDC executive board with over a decade of experience in construction management and leadership. A graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Peyton has overseen the development of more than 500 homes with industry leaders such as DR Horton, Empire Communities, and Edward Andrews Homes.
In his current role at Quinn Residences, Peyton leads construction operations, ensuring efficient project delivery and strategic growth. His promotion to Vice President in 2023 reflects his exceptional skills in planning, procurement, and on-site management.
As the newest board member, Peyton is committed to leveraging his skills to advance Chosewood Park’s growth and community initiatives. His leadership ensures the neighborhood develops sustainably while fostering strong connections within the community.
These board members have held their non-profit positions for multiple years, and are committed to continued community improvements.
As Chosewood Park continues to evolve, we remain committed to ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable. Our vision is to create a neighborhood where all residents, regardless of background or income, have access to affordable housing, green spaces, quality education, and job opportunities.
We are dedicated to building on the rich history of Chosewood Park while embracing the future. Whether through the development of new homes, the expansion of green spaces, or the support of local businesses, Chosewood Park CDC is working to make our neighborhood a place where everyone can thrive.