Miguel Martinez, who earlier today resigned from City Council, has filed paperwork with the city's Board of Elections declining to run for a third term, sources say. Martinez was running for a third term representing parts of Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill after City Council extended term limits last year.

The declination filed this afternoon paves the way for Martinez' petitions to be given to a substitute candidate. As many as nine candidates have publicly declared interest in running for the seat, which Martinez has held since 2001. Final petitions from the candidates are due Thu., July 16

The Manhattan Times is the bilingual newspaper of Washington Heights and Inwood.