New York Consolidated Laws, Lien Law - LIE § 97. Trial of issues and appeal

The issues raised by any such answer shall be tried in the same manner as issues are tried in a court of record without a jury, before such justice at a time and place to be fixed by him, or they may be referred by such justice to a referee, to hear and determine.  An appeal may be taken from the decision of such justice or referee as in a civil action in a court of record.  On such appeal the decision upon the law and the facts, may be reversed, modified, or a new trial ordered.  Costs, upon appeal, shall be allowed, as in the case of an appeal from a judgment in a court of record, and judgment may be rendered therefor.