CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Some residents believe the state's Interstate-77 Advisory Group isn't as transparent as should be.     

The group, which includes business owners and elected officials, held its first meeting in closed session Wednesday afternoon.

Transportation Secretary Jim Trogdon said this meeting wasn't for community feedback. He said their priority is working with the advisory group to find some possible solutions.

“Then, when we make a decision go back to the public on these are the options, these are the details, these are the timelines, these are the costs and not just from a DOT perspective, but a whole region's perspective,” said Secy. Trogdon.

But, Cornelius Michelle Ferlauto believes this moves away from the original conception for the group of a citizens board.

“It’s so disappointing for so many local people that have had a voice, and have been out there on the ground working against this project and you now have this group that's been engineered together,” said Ferlauto.

The agenda and presentation have been posted on NCDOT’s website here under the I-77 Express Lanes Local Advisory Group section.