In a 1956 song “Money Honey,” Elvis Presley didn’t have enough cash to pay the rent, so he called his girlfriend for some “Money Honey.”
Presley, during his singing career, was never known to call upon the government for money — although the people who run the late singer’s Graceland estate are calling upon the government, asking for some corporate welfare.
Graceland officials want that corporate welfare so bad they’ve sued the city of Memphis, according to The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Graceland officials did not return The Tennessee Star’s requests for comment.
According to The Appeal, Elvis Presley Enterprises filed a lawsuit against the city of Memphis over a delay in approval in expansion plans at Graceland.
Specifically, Graceland officials want some sort of city assistance with a 6,200-seat arena. Memphis officials, however, believe that violates a non-compete agreement with FedEx Forum.
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland told the paper this is not the first time Graceland has sued the city.
“Bottom line: The private owners of Graceland want public taxpayer dollars to put into their privately-owned facilities,” Strickland told the paper.
“And we have a problem with that.”
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, “alleges a delay in the Land Use Control Board’s consideration of a major Graceland expansion plan was meant to punish Graceland,” the paper said.
“The Memphis Grizzlies lease agreement for the FedExForum states that city funding can’t be used for a new venue that seats more than 5,000 people and would compete with the Downtown Memphis facility,” according to the paper.
The city’s Economic Development Growth Engine of Memphis and Shelby County already voted in favor of the Graceland expansion project — provided it doesn’t violate the non-compete agreement, the paper reported.
“But action by the Land Use Control Board is being deferred until pending litigation in Chancery Court is resolved,” the paper said.
According to News Channel 5 out of Nashville, “Elvis Presley Enterprises wants a tax increment financing increase for the expansion’s next phase.”
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Graceland Living Room” by David Brossard.
They’re on drugs…….they’re all messed up! Uh a huh! Yeah yeah a yeah.