BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Trash keeps piling up and trees are overgrown on the on- and off-ramps of the State Route 33, the expressway which cuts through the city of Buffalo and is maintained by the New York State Department of Transportation. 

When University District Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt describes the complaints he hears about the upkeep, or lack thereof, of the 33, he says the lack of attention "makes it look like a jungle" in spots.

"We want a better image," added Wyatt.

Councilmembers tell Spectrum News part of the problem has been with the state’s budget.

"There was a decrease in the budget due to the gas prices, so they [DOT] began to do less work due to the fuel costs," said Masten District Councilmember Ulysees O. Wingo Sr. 

The issue was presented before the Buffalo Common Council last week. A resolution sponsored by councilmembers Wyatt, Wingo and Richard Fontana along with Council President Darius Pridgen suggests the Suffolk, Grider and Best Street exits are the most unkempt.

A survey is circulation to get the opinions of residents in the surrounding communities.

Wyatt also plans to have a community meeting and invite the Department of Transportation to hear concerns. In the meantime, he hopes that everyone will do their part to keep the 33 clean.

"Folks who may get on the 33 and see because it looks like a jungle, they may add to it with garbage, so we have to take some accountability," said Wyatt.