CLIFTON PARK CLUSTER ZONING PROPOSAL MAY BE FIRST OF NEW TREND.(Local)

Byline: Marc Carey Staff writer

In a move that is expected to presage the method of development in the western part of town in coming years, the first cluster subdivision proposal has been submitted to the town.

Town officials maintain clustering - in which housing units are concentrated in one portion of a site - will preserve open space and protect environmentally sensitive areas while allowing developers to realize a return on their investment.

"I think that's what we're going to be leaning toward more and more to preserve open space and encourage flexibility in design," said Kathy Simmonds, the town's planning director. "I think you're going to …