The Moravian Book Shop, located on Main Street across from Hotel Bethlehem, may just be the oldest continuously operating book shop in the world. It is the oldest in this country. Owned by the Moravian Church, its profits help fund the pensions for their retired Moravian clergy. In addition to the actual book store, there's a deli, candy store and a gift shop that sells the Moravian star that is so popular at Christmas time.

Just about everyone who shops on Main Street makes a stop at that shop. But how long will it be there?

For weeks, rumors have circulated that the store might expand or even relocate into the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ). That's a special 130-acre tax zone, the only one of its kind in the state, created by a 2009 state law penned by State Senator Pat Browne. Development is funded by diverting state taxes for a private business venture; J.B. Reilly, the principal developer into Class A office space. But is this a good fit for the Moravian Book shop?

Rick Santee, a Bethlehem attorney and president of the Book Shop's volunteer board of directors, met with Mayor Bob Donchez recently to discuss the situation.

He also spoke with The Bethlehem Press. Despite its mission of funding the pensions of retired ministers, he said the store is technically a for-profit corporation. He joked that it's the "most not-for-profit, for-profit corporation you'll ever want to see.

"We are committed to a lot of different things, not the least of which is the community of Bethlehem, which we founded," he said. Speaking strictly for himself and not the board, Santee said he "cannot envision the day when there is no more book shop in Bethlehem." Its presence, right next to the Moravian central church, is something he'd like to see remain.

At the same time, Santee said the book shop is a business and must be guided by business principles. No decision will be made quickly, but the board is considering several options, including expansion and relocation. Denying that Moravians operate in secrecy, he asked for "a little privacy" so the board can do the right thing.

He hinted at a possible reason for a move. In 2008, Moravian Book Shop was one of several Main Street businesses to help fund a traffic study that resulted in a recommendation for a new parking deck. He noted that access problems still exist, as any weekend Main Street shopper can attest.

Bethlehem's Department of Community and Economic Development Director Alicia Karner said Mayor Donchez is disappointed that Bethlehem could lose the anchor store for its Main Street shopping district. Calling the Moravian Book Shop synonymous with Bethlehem, she said there's very little the communities surrounding Allentown can do to compete with the NIZ. She is also concerned that this could have a ripple effect on other retail businesses in Bethlehem.

For now, the Moravian Book Shop will continue selling Advent stars at its Bethlehem location. Tourists will continue to ask store employees where they can go to see "living Moravians."