N.Y. Lien Law § 91

§ 91. Proceedings upon return of order to show cause; trial of issue.\nAt the time and place mentioned in the order to show cause, the master\nor other person in charge of such vessel, the owner or consignee thereof\nor any other person interested therein, may apply and contest the claim\nof the lienor as contained in the application for a warrant, by filing\nwith the justice an affidavit controverting any material allegation\ncontained in the notice of lien or the application of the lienor. The\nissue so raised shall be tried as are other issues in a court of record,\nwithout a jury, before the justice granting the order at a time to be\nfixed by him, or they may be referred by him to a referee, to be heard\nand determined.\n