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A man who tried to bring casino boats to two local cities and collected thousands of dollars from people only to never deliver is trying a new venture.
And that venture took a step forward tonight in Aransas Pass when the city council approved rezoning.
The land in question -- between the city and the ferry terminal -- is now zoned so that a condominium complex can be built there, but there are still plenty of hurdles before this is approved.
With that unanimous vote, a local stretch of waterfront land is one step closer to getting a new look.
'I'm very happy that the city council voted favorably for this project,' said developer Vidal Conde.
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Conde is trying to build Mirielle Condos-Resort, a five-story, 40-unit condo complex that would also serve as the launching point for a casino boat that would take gamblers out into international waters.
He's confident the city has his back.
'They were able to see the potential for this project, to not only bring more tourism -- but tax dollars -- and for most jobs to the community and the area,' he said.
Conde has been trying to launch his casino boats since 2014 in Corpus Christi and Aransas Pass.
KRIS 6 News reported in 2018 those plans were nixed.
But not before Conde collected upwards of $30,000 from potential customers. He claims now those people have been paid back and that an outside company handled the money.
'I've never had any possession of any ticket monies at all,' Conde said. 'I just want to clarify that. The monies were collected by Show Clicks and held by Show Clicks.'
Off-camera today, a city leader expressed his doubts about Conde's new plans.
It's something Conde said he's not letting bother him.
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'Behind-the-scenes, despite doubt and naysayers, I was still moving in a forward motion,' he said. 'We're here to comply and do great things for the community.'
One potential problem Conde will have to solve is what to do with sewage.
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Right now, the land isn't connected to the city's sewage system, and a landowner in the area saidd that can't have a septic tank there.
There is a Facebook page if you'd like more information on the proposed condo complex.
Just search for 'Pride of Texas.'