N.Y. Real Property Actions & Proceedings Law § 821

§ 821. View in action for waste. In an action for waste it is not\nnecessary, either upon the execution of a writ of inquiry or upon the\ntrial of an issue of fact, that the jury, the judge, or the referee\nshould view the property. Where the trial is by a referee, or by the\ncourt without a jury, the referee or the judge may, in his discretion,\nview the property and direct the attorneys for the parties to attend\naccordingly. In any other case, the court may in its discretion, by\norder direct a view by the jury.\n