The state Department of Community Affairs said the agency has been the "ultimate decision maker" of city affairs and that nothing has changed since the take-over two years ago.
So long as their applications get state and local approvals, dispensaries will open Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Ewing, Paterson, Phillipsburg and Vineland.
Atlantic City Mayor Frank Gilliam and Councilman Jeffree Fauntleroy were issued summonses for harassment and simple assault during the Nov. 12 incident, for allegedly punching two men and verbally threatening a woman.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is investigating an "incident" involving Mayor Frank Gilliam and others at the Golden Nugget on Sunday morning.