The Stamford land use board decided to allow a petition against a proposed zoning change for a gym to go forward after more than three hours of debate.

The debate centered on vacant office space in High Ridge Park complex. Developers hope to put in a branch of Life Time Fitness. But neighbors organized a petition against the change that would allow gyms to be built in office parks in the city.

That petition required 300 signatures, but most of the 700 collected were initially disqualified due to a disagreement over who is considered a property owner. In the end, city representatives decided it was wrong to disqualify people such as condo owners.

The Stamford Board of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the proposed zoning change Aug. 6.